Happy New Year! The calendar tells us it’s now 2010, and with the turn of the calendar comes new hope for a revived economy. As I write this on the first business day of the new year, the Dow, NASDAQ and S&P 500 all hit new 52-week highs. Gone is the “Great Recession” of 2009… let’s hope that 2010 goes down as the year of the “Great Recovery.” At least we’re off to a strong start.
Within the hallowed halls of Cincinnati PRSA, we’re off to a strong start as well. On Tuesday, January 12, the chapter will be hosting Gary McCormick, the 2010 chair and CEO of PRSA. Gary’s day job is with HGTV in Knoxville - owned by Cincinnati’s own Scripps Networks - and his remarks will combine his experience there with his enthusiasm for the future of our industry.
This is the first time in several years that the national chair will be visiting our chapter. I look forward to hearing his insights as well as showing off our chapter and city to him. If you want to hear from one of the preeminent folks in our industry, be sure to attend this luncheon.
The Cincinnati Chapter’s Leadership Team met in December to brainstorm ideas for 2010, and you will see many of these come to fruition throughout the year. I’m very excited about PRSA in 2010… I hope you are as well. And if you have ideas, please drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize Laura Carr for her exceptional job as president in 2009. Despite the aforementioned economic conditions, with Laura’s leadership our chapter delivered exceptional value to our members. Congratulations on a job well done!
See you at the luncheon.
Chris Kemper, APR
President
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Let me take a moment to savor this moment.
(Please forgive me. Though I do find pitching the media to be a fun challenge as a PR person, I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be on the “other side.”)
Let me tell you, it’s nice.
I’m honored to be Cincinnati PRSA’s newsletter editor. It’s my goal to make PRVisions a relevant resource for you. I know your days are busy. That’s why our monthly newsletter will only include the most pertinent information about our chapter.
We’re also using PRVisions as an opportunity for you to learn more about our individual members and speakers. So in this first issue of 2010, you will notice two new sections and an extended new member welcome. Our first new section is a Q&A with our upcoming monthly speaker (in this case, Gary McCormick, chair and CEO of PRSA). Our second new section is entitled “Featured Follower,” where we highlight one of @CincinnatiPRSA’s Twitter followers. This is meant to help you connect with your fellow members and help you find a familiar face at our next event.
So, read on. A few members of our Board and Leadership Team are looking for committee members, and there is exciting news brewing on the social media, sponsorship and Blacksmith fronts. I’ve also included our leadership slate below.
I’d like to help you spread your good news, too. Please email articles about yourself or company to dlittle@sunriseadvertising.com. (Note our new policy: articles will not be repeated in more than one issue unless requested by the author.)
If you have comments or suggestions about the newsletter, don’t be a stranger. I’m all ears!
See you at the next event.
Darcy Little
PRVisions Editor
2010 Cincinnati PRSA Board and Leadership Team
Board:
- President - Chris Kemper, APR
- President Elect - Elaine Zeinner, APR
- Immediate Past President – Laura Carr
- APR Chair - Debbie Copeland-Bloom, APR
- Community Service Chair – Megan Licursi
- Diversity Chair – Dawn Woods, APR
- Ethics Chair - Adrienne Gutbier, APR
- Membership Chair - Jonathan Kissell
- Programming Chair - Sarah Pasquinucci, APR
- Treasurer - Emily Carpenter Pulscamp, APR
- Member at Large - Jackie Reau
Leadership Team:
- Blacksmith Chair - Jackie Reau & Gail Meyers
- Chapter PR - Gina Douthat
- Job Bank Coordinator - Maureen Richmond, APR
- Media Day Chair - Ashley Walters
- New Professionals Chair - Brandy Williams
- Newsletter Editor – Darcy Little
- Social Media Chair - Mike Boehmer, APR
- Sponsorship Chair - Lauren Doyle
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“Welcome a New Year and a New Normal – Preparing for the Climb in the PR Landscape”
Join Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA and Chair/CEO of PRSA in 2010 as he discusses the outlook for the public relations industry. Following a year that changed how we view business and approach our profession, McCormick outlines why he’s optimistic about PR and talks about its future. From reduced traditional media outlets to growing social media challenges, public relations is forever changed and picking the correct approach sets our course for success.
Learn why he feels that partnerships and integration will become a larger part of public relations strategies, including how HGTV and the other Scripps Networks brands are leveraging this outreach with their customers and clients.
Date: |
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 |
Place: |
The Phoenix
812 Race Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Visit www.thephx.com for directions |
Time: |
11:30 am - noon Check-in & Networking
Noon Lunch & Program |
Cost: |
Cincinnati PRSA Members - $23.00
PRSSA Members - $23.00
Non-Members - $35.00 |
RSVP: |
by NOON on Thursday, January 7 -- EXTENDED TO 2:00 PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Reservations are required and can be made one of three ways:
(Any Member and ALL Non-Members)
1. Register and prepay NOW online
NEW AS OF 3/09: ALL non-members must prepay all reservations. Also, no reservations will be accepted if you still owe a balance from a previous event.
(Members Only)
2. Send an email to acampbell@fuse.net
3. Leave a voicemail at 513-792-0402. |
Menu: |
We will be serving a chicken breast with roasted garlic cream sauce. Please state if you will need a chef's choice vegetarian meal when you make your reservation. |
Cancellations: |
Original cancellation date of noon on January 7 remains the same. Additional reservations may be made until 2:00 pm on Friday, Janaury 8 HOWEVER once made, they cannot be cancelled. Please understand that once we guarantee our count to the location we are billed for the meal you order whether you use it or not.
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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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Are you interested in becoming more involved with the Cincinnati PRSA Chapter? The Membership Committee is seeking volunteers to help promote the value of PRSA. This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience while networking with other area PR professionals. For more details, please contact Jonathan Kissell (jonathan.kissell@rumpke.com).
Have you visited the recently enhanced prsa.org? Did you know you can log into the site as a PRSA Member? This gives you access to a wide variety of member benefits, such as discounts on shipping and rental cars. Visit www.prsa.org for more details.
Jonathan Kissell
Membership Chair
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Want to get even more value out of your PRSA membership? If you haven’t already, join Cincinnati PRSA’s LinkedIn and Facebook groups and follow us on Twitter (@CincinnatiPRSA).
Wait! That’s not all.
Get involved.
Share links to helpful articles and blog posts about public relations. Comment on links shared by others. Start meaningful discussions. Contribute your thoughts.
Bring your iPhone or BlackBerry to a luncheon or happy hour event. Tweet notes and photos to your friends.
These social networking sites are only as good as we make them. (By the way, invite your non-PRSA members to join, too. The more the merrier.)
Over the next 12 months, expect to see a lot more from Cincinnati PRSA’s social media platforms. We have a great committee that includes Elliot Campbell, Lauren Doyle and Jeremy Fischer. Stay tuned!
Mike Boehmer
Social Media Chair
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You must be a savvy PR person if you’re a member of Cincinnati’s PRSA chapter. Why not extend that business savvy as a sponsor of one of our upcoming events?
Program sponsorship allows companies - like this month’s luncheon sponsor, Scripps Networks Interactive - to get their marketing message in front of 450 of the region's brightest PR professionals and leading influencers at 165 diverse organizations. In addition, program sponsors receive tickets to the presentation, an opportunity to address those gathered at the luncheon, logo representation and more. We can even customize a sponsorship package just for you.
Interested in learning more? Let’s connect! I’m available via phone at 513-271-7222 x17 or via email at ldoyle@wordsworthweb.com. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming year!
Regards,
Lauren Doyle
Sponsorship Chair
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Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA
Cincinnati PRSA: What do you see as the priorities for PRSA in 2010?
Gary McCormick: Very simply – A B C D E - I have organized my board into four main focus areas to ensure that we are delivering value to our members and the organization in Advocacy (promoting the profession, ethical communications and the Society), Community (developing opportunities to network and explore other public relations specializations), Diversity (broadening diversity of thought and membership) and Education (ensuring ongoing professional development and research to support our profession and its professionals). In addition, we will continue to develop and promote the Business Case for PR, which articulates the unique value proposition that public relations delivers to our companies and clients every day.
CP: What are the top two or three messages that you would like to share with PRSA members about the organization?
GM: Over the last year I have gained tremendous respect for all the value that we can deliver to members. Our members are passionate about the profession, but often parochial in their views of what the organization provides. I hope that over the next year we can shine a light on the value that a member can get from engaging their national membership and leveraging it to achieve great results in their careers.
To do that, we must identify the unique needs of a diverse profession. Professionals practice in many distinct industry segments and venues and come to PRSA for different reasons (including accreditation, professional development, community, etc.). I want to make sure PRSA is equipped to deliver value targeted to their specific expectations.
CP: Why should a public relations person who is NOT a member of PRSA join our organization?
GM: To begin to access the valuable network and lifelong learning that will position you for success despite the changes in the marketplace. Without these assets, many public relations professionals will find themselves at a crossroads without a bridge to the new skills and tools that will equip them to succeed and progress in their careers.
CP: What do you see as the top trends in public relations in the coming year?
GM: I believe that companies will look to public relations to start repairing the reputation of business, develop strategies that implement strong two-way communication with consumers and customers using both traditional and social media, and look to our industry to build relationships that will replace results previously expected from advertising and marketing budgets. The current business climate is a golden opportunity to show how the integration of public relations in strategic planning will deliver mission-critical outcomes and value to client organizations.
CP: Have you ever been to Cincinnati before? If so, maybe share your memory of coming here. What is your impression of our city and its PRSA chapter?
GM: While I've passed through Cincinnati while traveling, this will be my first real visit to the city itself. I think Cincinnati is a vital, dynamic city with a strong business climate. I’m looking forward to delving into the business life of the city and to finding out more about the Cincinnati chapter and its members.
CP: Anything else you would like to say?
GM: Today’s public relations profession is not the one it was 60 years ago. But, it’s also not the one it was six months ago.
As members adapt to this volatile environment, their needs are a moving target. I want to make sure PRSA is amply focused and nimble to continue delivering what members need to be successful – something that changes virtually every day. Also, more than ever, this environment makes PRSA an indispensable organization. In an industry moving so fast, it’s one of the few constants. And, by engaging leaders from throughout the profession, PRSA is also the touchstone for keeping up to speed and ahead of the curve. In other words, no matter what you’re talking about – your business, your job, your story pitch, and so on – professionals need to keep in mind that “not learning today means losing tomorrow.” As PRSA’s chair & CEO, I’d like my legacy to the organization to be that members, along with all professionals and their stakeholders, will have developed a fuller understanding of how to derive the most value from their membership and how to put that value to use to drive their professional satisfaction and success.
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Every month, we will select - at random - a Twitter follower of @CincinnatiPRSA to feature in PRVisions. Too often, we only know people by a Twitter handle (or perhaps a tiny, let-me-get-out-my-magnifying-glass icon) but not by face! Well, here’s a chance to get to know our chapter’s members and connect eyes, ears and smile to an @ symbol. So at our next luncheon, you’ll know your favorite Twitter friends right away!
Our first Featured Follower is none other than Lauren Doyle!
Name: Lauren Doyle
Position: Account Supervisor
Company: Wordsworth Communications
Twitter handle: @LaurenEDoyle
What social media outlets do you use?: I use LinkedIn for professional networking, Facebook for personal networking and Twitter to bridge the gap between my professional and personal lives.
How long have you been a Cincinnati PRSA member?
I'll celebrate my third anniversary in April.
What do you find the most beneficial about Cincinnati PRSA?
I most appreciate the opportunity to individually connect with and learn from professionals whose career paths I admire. I also enjoy attending luncheons on topics that are relevant to my career and/or my clients’ businesses -- I often apply the best practices presented by industry professionals in my everyday life. Finally, as someone who is not originally from Cincinnati, I've appreciated the professional and personal network that being a member of PRSA has provided.
Whom do you suggest your fellow chapter members follow on Twitter and why? What is his or her Twitter handle?
There are so many great people on Twitter -- too many to name! Here's my attempt to narrow down the list:
Nationally, I'd pick Richard Laermer (@laermer) for quirky news and great articles for PR professionals and Pete Cashmore (@mashable) for all things social media.
Locally, I'd pick Cincinnati Women Bloggers (@cinwomenblogger) because they are fabulously promotional of women bloggers and Cincinnati happenings. Plus, the group was co-founded by two of my dear friends and co-workers, Shannan Boyer (@shannanb) and Laura Deaton Morarity (@LMDeaton). I’d also suggest Mike Boehmer (@MikeBoehmer57) who is incredibly connected to the local PR and social media scene and is the chair of our social media committee this year!
You're in PR, which means you're interesting by default! Tell us one fun fact about you:
I love to cook, though I rarely use recipes. I like to get in the kitchen and experiment! Unfortunately, some experiments turn out a little better than others...
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Your Blacksmith co-chairs – Jackie Reau and Gail Myers – need your help to make this year’s Blacksmith competition and awards ceremony the best ever. We’re starting plans now to showcase the best of the best from PRSA members and other industry professionals throughout the Tristate for work produced from January 2009-June 2010.
Last year saw a record number of entries submitted; this year, we want to set a new record. We invite you to join us in planning and implementing the 2010 Blacksmiths.
If you’re willing to help, please contact Gail (gailmyerspr@fuse.net) or Jackie (jreau@gamedaypr.com) by Friday, January 15.
Thanks!
Jackie & Gail
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New Member Welcome
We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new member, Christine Demeropolis!
We asked Christine, an assistant account manager at Northlich, to help us get to know her a little better, so she sent us a few fun facts about herself:
- She is a Cincinnati native and downtown resident.
- A proud alumna of Ohio University, she is a 2008 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
- Christine started working at Northlich in September 2008.
- Follow her on Twitter @chrisdemi.
- Connect with her on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/christinedemeropolis.
- Last (but definitely not least), she is a lifelong Skyline Chili addict!
Welcome to our chapter, Christine!
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Acclaim is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to build local theatre audiences by identifying, celebrating, and inspiring excellence in Cincinnati non-profit theatre. In addition to the Acclaim Awards that highlight the best accomplishments in each Cincinnati theatre season, Acclaim offers a series of grants to support local theatre artists in their artistic growth, and to reward the work of outstanding local theatre educators and students.
Acclaim needs a seasoned PR professional to serve as the PR chair to help us inform and engage the community as partners in this mission. Duties include: supervising the PR committee; promoting Acclaim and its programs nationally and locally; overseeing social networking for Acclaim; and working closely with special events and Award Event committees.
Time commitment: about an hour a week, plus a monthly meeting of the Acclaim Executive Committee.
We are looking for enthusiasm and creative ideas from someone who previously (or currently) has experience leading PR campaigns. We welcome your expertise and your leadership in this position.
Contact Kate Spencer at (513) 541-6306 or at kspencer1@zoomtown.com to learn more about the position and application process.
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
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Todd R. Bailey speaks on Lobbying, Success
By Andrea Bosco
Todd R. Bailey spoke to Miami PRSSA members on October 19, focusing on lobbying and strategies for success. Bailey, assistant vice president/state government relations manager for Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, began with the four best ways to enter the lobbying field.
Political campaigns, which he explained are usually the most common, allow the person to connect with the candidate and make them hirable as an aid. Becoming a political aid is the second way to dive into the lobbying field. The third, practicing law, allows the person to have a solid “base” just as an undergraduate degree is for most college graduates. Bailey said being an attorney, especially in Washington D.C., is important in understanding lobbying. The fourth way, studying communications, is the route that Bailey chose. He explained this route as “very A-typical” and to him, rewarding.
Speaking from experience, he suggested that either a minor in business or at least a few courses in finance or accounting could really benefit a career in public relations.
Bailey explained that relationship development is a crucial part of lobbying. “Be relevant, stay in front of them so they remember you,” said Bailey. “This way, you can develop a relationship that matters.”
Bailey handed out tips for success along with books and blankets to students who asked questions. He said, “Be bold; try different things; do what you love.”
He explained that the average person holds seven jobs in their career. He said that both D.C. and Atlanta have a “hot PR market” right now.
“Watch your brand,” Bailey said. “Be careful what you say and what you do.” He recommended asking questions and volunteering for leadership positions and enticed students to read more books. One in particular, “Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear” by Dr. Frank I. Luntz.
Bailey resides in Columbus with his wife, a public relations professional at Fahlgren Mortine.
(from www.prsa.org)
PRSA offers a host of opportunities to grow as a professional. Visit http://www.prsa.org/calendar to access a calendar of upcoming events.
2009: A Year Of New Beginnings At PRSA
Posted by Michael G. Cherenson, APR, in prsay.prsa.org
It hardly seems as though a year has passed since I began my service as PRSA’s 2009 chair and CEO.
There’s no doubt that the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for many of us. At the same time, it’s been a period of tremendous personal fulfillment for me. As a second-generation public relations counselor who literally grew up in and around the public relations profession, my term as chair and CEO has been a unique and incredible opportunity to give back to both the profession and organization that have given me so much.
As my term draws to a close and our industry looks forward to brighter days ahead, it seems like an appropriate time to reflect on how PRSA has helped its members confront the challenges of the past year, and examine the benefits that we delivered in the process.
While the financial markets today seem poised for a recovery, it wasn’t too long ago that a stock market collapse, the eminent failure of several large financial institutions, and the implosion of General Motors and Chrysler came together in a perfect storm to produce what some called “the worst recession since the Great Depression.”
These tough times provided an impetus for PRSA to think creatively about ways to cut spending and achieve operational efficiencies. Having trimmed expenses by more than $1 million, we’re now forecasting a slight income surplus over expenses at year end and planning our regular contribution to PRSA’s “reserve” fund.
The economic malaise also encouraged us to think creatively about how to increase the value of PRSA membership. This has resulted in some new member benefits and the continuation of others, including programs to help those hit particularly hard by the recession. Our goal was to ensure that our members would have access to the learning, intelligence and networking opportunities they needed to thrive, not just survive.
Listed first among these is access to learning. The public relations profession is undergoing rapid and dramatic shifts, whether due to the continued evolution of social media, the changing role of traditional media or the erosion of reputation and trust in major institutions. We also continued to lead the industry in professional development, delivering the most sought-after speakers on the industry’s hottest topics.
Next is intelligence. Our redesigned Web site is making it much easier for users to find helpful industry news, information and data. In addition, “The Business Case for Public Relations™,” our industry advocacy campaign, is giving public relations professionals the resources they need to educate key audiences about public relations’ roles and outcomes, demonstrate its strategic value and enhance its reputation. It’s also taking aim at creating industry-standard measurement approaches.
PRSA also continued to be an industry thought leader in 2009. Our new blog PRSAY, Advocacy program and industry-leading publications, The Public Relations Strategist, Public Relations Tactics and Public Relations Journal, all helped our members stay on top of societal and industry shifts, interpret their meaning and adjust to them in the context of their clients and organizations.
Lastly is a network of professional contacts. In times of trouble, people lean on one another and draw on the collective resolve of the group. Accordingly, our members understood the impact that others can have on their professional success, and took advantage of opportunities to build their professional networks by becoming or remaining active in their District, Chapter and Section communities.
I hope you will take time to read our State of the Society report, for a more in-depth look at some of PRSA’s major initiatives and accomplishments over the past year. Not the least of these was an effort to update PRSA’s bylaws, in keeping with modern governance theories and current best practices in association management. In November, Delegates to PRSA’s Assembly overwhelmingly approved a new set of bylaws for the Society, by a final tally of 264 to 20.
A Bright Future for PRSA
While the chair and CEO of PRSA stands as the organization’s most visible representative, I must share credit for the accomplishments of the past year with my fellow Board members and volunteer leaders, as well as PRSA staff. Their collective enthusiasm, passion and commitment made these achievements possible, and I thank them for their dedication to the profession and fealty to our Society.
So as we head into 2010 and my time as chair and CEO comes to a close, I step aside with complete confidence in my successor, Gary McCormick, APR, and the understanding that PRSA is poised for even greater accomplishments in the months and years ahead.
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December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
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