Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news on the local front (including a column from our Chapter Administrator, an update on the APR class and our Senior Practitioners), other PRSA chapters, the national PRSA front (including an opportunity to become involved on the national level), a segment featuring articles from PRSSA members from Miami University and Northern Kentucky University, and also many amazing opportunities for our members to help each other, non-profit organizations and many others; including two universities.
By Shasta Taber
Dear Members:
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 Lisa Doxsee, APR
A glimpse into the “real world”
Every year our Chapter hosts Pro-Am Day. Students have the chance to follow a professional for a few hours at work and learn insights regarding the “real world” of public relations and communications. Is there truly a “real world” in this field? That question will have to remain until another day.
I wish, maybe like many of you, that I had the opportunity to shadow someone for a day and get a little insight into what I would be doing for the next several years of my life. What would they have told me? Maybe that the world of PR is understood by some, but confused by many. That public relations is more than just writing a press release. Maybe they would have told me that I would start by writing newsletter articles and news releases, but this will be the groundwork for developing strategy and advancing in my career.
What if they had told me that this career path can lead me to a lot of different places, some good and some maybe not so good? Would I have listened? Would I have made the same choices? Probably. Would their advice have entered into my decision-making process? Hopefully.
As PR professionals we are constantly selling our ideas or our clients or organizations, but how often do we sell our profession to the next generation? We can give a little nugget of advice to our mentees that will help them think more deeply about that first job search or how to approach an internship.
This is our time to provide a little encouragement and advice to the next graduating class that will become our colleagues and the future of the profession. Let’s make sure we give them realistic views of what to expect, provide encouragement and offer assistance as they enter into the “real world” – whatever that may be.
This year, the Chapter is adding another layer to Pro-Am Day. At the luncheon each table will have a senior practitioner as a table host. I am very excited that our students and our newer members will have the opportunity to mingle on a personal basis with some of our accomplished chapter members.
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By Anne Campbell
Thank you to all of you who have been keeping your membership records up-to-date. It really helps us to stay in contact with you. Please understand that there are actually two sets of your records, one kept by National and one kept here locally. While I can view your records with National, I do not have access to change them. Therefore, whenever a change needs to be made you need to contact both the national office and the local one.
This can now be done in one step by using MemberNet which is hosted on the National website, www.prsa.org. Towards the top of the home page there is a link to login. There are instructions to help you login for the first time. Once you login in you will have access to update your personal profile.
*However, if you have already changed jobs and no longer have access to the email address National has on file for you, you will either need to email them at membership@prsa.org or call them at 212-460-1400.
I receive weekly reports of all changes done at MemberNet and use those to update my records. What a great service this is and we thank the National office!
Please help us find these “lost” chapter members. They have changed jobs and we have lost touch with them:
- Emily Hedrick (formerly with KnowledgeWorks)
- Jessica Quast (formerly with ProScan)
- Darrin Snyder (formerly with Business Wire)
If you have contact information for any of these people, please forward it to Anne Campbell at acampbell@fuse.net
Reservations are required for events since the location only makes the number of meals that we order. We cannot guarantee space for walkins. If you require a vegetarian meal, you need to state this at the time you make your reservation. All meals need to be ordered in advance and substitutions will not be available the day of the event.
All of our meeting announcements include a reservation deadline and the statement that we cannot accept cancellations after that time. This is because our contract with the location requires us to guarantee the number of meals we need to order at that time. Once we place the guarantee we cannot lower our count. Therefore, we are billed for all meals we order at the time of our deadline whether we end up using them or not.
Our chapter by-laws state that members are responsible for payment of expenses incurred on their behalf by the Chapter when they have indicated their intention to participate in Chapter activities. We understand that scheduling conflicts do arise, clients suddenly appear, people do get sick and sometimes the weather isn’t the best for driving. However, please understand that if you have placed a reservation and not cancelled it by the deadline, so long as the program is held, you are responsible for the cost of your reservation.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please don’t hesitate to ask Anne Campbell, acampbell@fuse.net or 513-792-0402.
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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 at elaine.zeinner@kentonlibrary.org or call her at 859-962-4060 ext. 4204.
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University of Cincinnati President Nancy L. Zimpher is known for “living the brand,” but there’s a lot more to communicating the UC story than wearing red and black. President Zimpher will discuss her role as the primary communicator for a major public urban research university. She will discuss her efforts to focus the vision – and message – of thousands of UC faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders in the UC|21 strategic plan, and how the goals of that plan are being accepted throughout the university and region.
Pro Am Day is Also April 3
This annual half-day event matches PR professionals with students who are interested in pursuing a career in public relations. It’s the perfect time to encourage those just entering the major as well as give some insight into the “real world” of a PR practitioner.
Please consider taking a few hours out of your day to make this a positive experience for the next generation of PR professionals. In order to ensure every student has an opportunity to take advantage of the resources within the Cincinnati PRSA chapter, we need as many members as possible to participate.
Contact Nicole Ropp at nicoleropp@mac.com if you would like to sign up to be paired with a student or if you have any questions. The deadline to sign up is Friday, March 23. Please be sure if you sign up to host a student you also notify Anne that you will be attending the luncheon. Students are responsible for their own lunch reservations.
This event sponsored by:
Please join us!
| Date: |
Tuesday, April 3 |
| Time: |
11:30 a.m. - Check-in & Networking
Noon - Luncheon & Program |
| Place: |
The Phoenix, 812 Race St.,
Downtown Cincinnati
Click here for directions. |
| Cost: |
$23 for Cincinnati Chapter PRSA Members;
$28 for non-members;
$18 for full-time students
Payment is due the day of the event. Checks and cash are the preferred methods of payment. However, we do accept MasterCard and Visa.
If you prefer to prepay checks can be mailed to:
PRSA Cincinnati Chapter, PO Box 43242, Cincinnati, OH 45243. |
| RSVP: |
By NOON on Thursday, March 29.
Reservations may be made one of two ways:
1) Leave a message on our chapter voice mail, 513-792-0402
2) Send an email to our Chapter Administrator, acampbell@fuse.net
Reservations are required. We cannot guarantee we will have space for walkins. |
| Diet: |
Please let us know when you place your reservation if you would like to request a vegetarian meal. All meals must be preordered and the location cannot guarantee substitutions can be made on site without prior request. We will be serving a chicken dish at this event. |
| Cancellations: |
Will be accepted until RSVP deadline listed above. After that time you will be billed for the cost of your reservation, even if unable to attend. 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. |
Other Upcoming Luncheons:
May 8 , 2007 - Presidents Award Luncheon / Winner to be announced shortly
June 12, 2007 - Monthly Luncheon featuring Rob Butcher (Cincinnati Reds) and Jack Brennan (Cincinnati Bengals) talking about the challenges and opportunities related to sports PR.
Click here to check out further details on this upcoming luncheon and other events on the Cincinnati Chapter’s website. (http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/meetings/index.php)
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By Connie Kolita, APR
PRSA Accreditation is the worldwide credential of competence in public relations. The Cincinnati chapter stands ready to help you achieve this important step in your career! An APR review class is held each year. Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita, along with the help of other chapter members, will help "coach" candidates through the process.
Achieving Your APR: The Steps
Typically the process goes like this:
- Make sure you are an active member of a PRSA Chapter.
- Take Cincinnati PRSA’s APR Review Class (highly recommended!) The next class is expected to take place in April 2007. It's a two-hour class once a week for 10 weeks (location: the American Cancer Society – Cincinnati’s Hope Lodge off Reading Road just north of downtown – the building is gorgeous!) plus study groups if desired. There is a class textbook along with handouts and the PRSA Code of Ethics. ***UPDATE: The final dates for the Spring/Summer 2007 class are April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, and June 5, 11, 19 and 26.
- Send an APR application to PRSA National (New York City, available on National's website listed below). From the day National approves your application you have one year to complete the process.
- Sit for and advance through the “oral portion” of APR, which is called “Readiness Review”. There are two documents you'll need to complete for this:
- The Candidate’s Readiness Review Questionnaire
- The PR Plan.
- Sit for and advance through the “written portion” which is the "computer-based examination". This examination is taken at a ProMetric testing center locally.
- Celebrate You, APR! (FYI, this process typically takes four to six months.)
By Connie Kolita, APR
Are you an APR interested in sitting on a local APR Readiness Review panel? You’ll earn APR credit 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.
By Connie Kolita, APR
We have just learned from National that effective January 2007, chapter APRs will be able to earn more APR maintenance points than they had in previous years for participating in two activities: serving on a Readiness Review panel and serving as a guest speaker during our chapter’s annual APR Review Course.
In the past, chapter APRs received 1.0 maintenance point per year whether they served on one Readiness Review panel or several. Now, they will receive 1.0 point for each RR panel on which they serve. In addition, chapter APRs used to receive 0.5 point for serving as a guest speaker during our annual APR Review Course. Now, they will receive 1.0 point.
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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By Kevin M. Dugan, APR
Awards provide third-party recognition of the quality of your public relations campaigns and tactics and can lead to increased awareness of your hard work.
The third annual award competition, presented by the Cincinnati Chapter of PRSA, honors the best of Greater Cincinnati’s public relations community—from talented practitioners to stellar work that has local, national and international impact. There are several ways to get involved with this exciting event.
- Plan: Join the Blacksmith Awards committee and help plan an event that gets better each year.
- Sponsor There are three levels of sponsorship to support the event and promote your company. Contact Kevin Dugan at 513-241-3000 or kdugan@frch.com for more information.
- Judge: Campaign and Tactic entries will be judged by a panel of public relations professionals from outside the Greater Cincinnati area. We are partnering with the Houston PRSA Chapter and will also be judging their award competition.
- Enter: The entry is straightforward and not as time-consuming as other competitions. Many use it as a gauge on whether or not to invest the time into other competition entries. The 10 award categories closely mirror the PRSA East Central District awards, helping entrants simplify the submission process. The competition is open to all individuals, companies and organizations doing business within the Greater Cincinnati area. Full campaigns or specific tactics can be entered in 10 different categories. And the Professional of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards recognize individual practitioners for their contribution to public relations.
- Attend: Join public relations professionals from the Greater Cincinnati area in celebrating the year’s best work.
The entry form will be posted online soon and we’ll also provide tips on preparing an award-winning entry. Entries are due in October and the awards will be presented at the annual Blacksmith Awards Dinner in November.
For more information on the 2007 Blacksmith Awards, contact Kevin Dugan at 513-241-3000 or kdugan@frch.com.
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This year, at each month’s PRSA meeting, a drawing will be held for an excellent addition to the PR practitioner’s library: Legal and Ethical Restraints on Public Relations by Karla Gower. The book’s first chapter focuses on ethics models, codes and guidelines. The rest of the book concerns legal issues, such as corporate and commercial speech, intellectual property and government relations.
Whether you’re studying for the APR or need to revisit the ins and outs of trademarks, this concise reference has the information you’re looking for.
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By Pam Gilchrist, APR
The Independent Practitioners of Cincinnati PRSA will be holding their meeting on Thursday, April 5th at 4 p.m. at the Joseph-Beth bookstore in the Rookwood Pavilion. We will meet in the Bronte café located inside the bookstore. If you are unable to attend the meeting or have questions or if interested in information about the Independent Practitioners of Cincinnati PRSA please contact:
Pam Gilchrist, APR
PR~Link Public Relations
(859) 431-9090
pgilchrist@pr-link.com
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By Jackie Reau
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Hosted by the Duke Energy Center
Cultivating media relationships is the overarching theme for the 2007 PRSA Media Day set for October 2, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a happy hour to follow. There will be numerous opportunities to network and meet local and national working media. Whether you are a new professional or a seasoned veteran, you won’t want to miss this year’s program.
As you review the new ideas for the event, please contact Jackie Reau at jreau@gamedaypr.com if you have additional thoughts and ideas. All are welcome.
Plans are still underway, but here is an overview of the event:
Panel Discussion: Ask the Assignment Editors
Local radio and TV assignment editors will provide insight into how they determine news coverage on an hourly and daily basis.
Panel Discussion: Get Featured
Regional and national magazine editors will share how to get ink in their long-lead publications and how the magazine industry is changing amongst the minute-by-minute media.
Media Industry Roundtables
Attendees will choose to attend three, 30-minute discussions with a minimum of 10 people at each to be led by media focusing on the following industries/issues: Health Care; Service; Finance; Education; Women’s Business; African-American; Non-Profit; Products/Sales; Government; Travel & Tourism; Arts & Entertainment; IT/Tech; and Sports.
Keynote Address
For the keynote address, we are seeking a representative from a national daily newspaper with more information to come once we have confirmation.
Media Happy Hour
At the close of the program, from 5-7 p.m., we will invite all local working media to attend a complimentary happy hour with valet parking at the Duke Energy Center to provide another networking opportunity for the attendees.
We will provide three resources for attendees of 2007 PRSA Media Day.
They include:
Local Media Pitching Guide
In advance of the program, we will send an e-query to all Cincinnati-based media (400+) to get their preferences for contact, deadlines, etc. and distribute the information to all attendees.
Local Expert Guide for Media
In advance of the program (with registration), we will provide the opportunity for PR practitioners to submit a minimum of five experts to be included in a local media expert guide with PR contact.
Media Relations New Product Expo
At the Media Happy Hour, we will also hold a mini expo to feature new products and services from local and regional companies that will allow PR practitioners to improve their media relations tactics--from podcasts and web casts capabilities to media measurement.
Registration for 2007 PRSA Media Day
Registration for the event will open June 1st, but there are current opportunities for sponsorship and expo registration. Below are the individual costs for the event. For more information on sponsorship, please contact: Elaine Zeinner at elaine.zeinner@kentonlibrary.org.
| Full program-member |
$125 |
| Full program-non-member |
$150 |
| Lunch-member |
$25 |
| Lunch-non-member |
$35 |
| Happy Hour-member |
Free |
| Happy Hour-non-member |
$20 |
Sponsorship Opportunities
| Presenting Sponsor |
$1000 |
| Media Happy Hour (SOLD OUT) |
$500 |
| Expo display opportunities |
$150 per display |
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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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Nicholas J. Vehr
Pres
Vehr Communications, LLC
1 E 4th Street, Suite 1600
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-369-3876
nvehr@vehrcommunications.com
REINSTATED:
Amy E. Caruso
P R Assoc
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
3333 Burnet Ave, VP-9012
Cincinnati, OH 45229
513-636-5637
amy.caruso@cchmc.org
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By Emily Carpenter
Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D., will provide a one-hour information session on having (and using) business manners and etiquette while effectively networking in a corporate environment.
Dr. Short-Thompson is the founding graduate program director of Northern Kentucky University’s Masters in communication program. She has been a member of the speech communication faculty since 1996 and served as the founding coordinator of the public relations major program.
Stop by after work and enjoy happy hour pricing on drinks while you network with your peers from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Pearl Room and run through 7:30 p.m. – hor devours will be provided.
When: Thursday, April 12
Where: McFadden’s, located at 19 E 7th Street, downtown Cincinnati. McFadden’s can be contacted at 513/621-6800. Metered parking is available on the street or at a parking garage located directly across the street.
Cost: Cost is $15 per person, payable at the event. Checks should be made payable to Cincinnati PRSA.
RSVP: Please RSVP to Emily Carpenter by Monday, April 9 via email at ejcarpenter10@yahoo.com with PRSA New Pros April Event in the subject line.
If interested in the New Professionals group please contact Jessie Folmar at jfolmar@cincyusa.com
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Looking for a list of open PR positions in the Tri-state? The PRSA Cincinnati Chapter's Job Bank matches public relations resumes with open area communications positions. Visit www.cincinnatiprsa.org and click on the "Job Bank" button.
Interested in submitting your resume to the Job Bank? For PRSA members, please email an electronic copy to Josh Hammond: jhammond@northlich.com
Non-members should email an electronic copy to Josh Hammond and mail a $25 check for a three-month membership in the Bank. Please include a brief cover note indicating employment preferences and any companies to whom you do not wish us to release your resume.
PRSA Job Bank
c/o Joshua Hammond, APR
Northlich
720 East Pete Rose Way, Suite 120
Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Employers wishing to post their job openings can email the position announcement to Josh Hammond at: jhammond@northlich.com
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By Nicole Ropp
The deadline to sign up for Cincinnati PRSA’s 6th Annual Pro-Am Day is Friday, March 23. By volunteering to host a student for a half day, you’ll get a chance to show the “next generation” what life is like as a public relations professional.
Pro-Am Day corresponds with our upcoming luncheon. As a reminder, University of Cincinnati President Nancy Zimpher, PhD., will speak on “Telling the UC Story.”
On or around March 28, professionals will receive the name of the student and his/her school. It is then the student's responsibility to contact the professional to work out logistics: location, directions, etc.
In 2006 almost 60 students gathered at Pro-Am Day, and we hope to increase the number this year. The students request the area of PR they would like to learn about, such as agency, corporate, media relations – so they are very interested in what you have to say!
This year, we’re excited to have a number of the city’s best-known PR Pros attending the luncheon as Table Hosts – among them Judith Bogart, Ted Bushelman, Debra DeCourcy, Peter Hollister, Dan Pinger, and Patsy Trubow. It’s a great opportunity to interact with practioners who have a wealth of experience, knowledge and resources to share.
If you are interested in hosting a student, or if you have any questions, please contact Nicole Ropp at nicoleropp@mac.com or (859) 767-4839. Thanks to all who help make this one of our signature events!
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By Joe Feiertag, APR
PRSA Cincinnati is launching a new initiative to better engage our senior practitioners in chapter activities. A big part of this involves connecting newer, younger members with senior members.
Separate from full-scale mentoring, the structure will be more informal and centered around ongoing activities such as the monthly luncheons. One of the first steps has been to invite senior practitioners to serve as table hosts at the April 3 Pro-Am Day luncheon at the Phoenix downtown. This is a great way to share experience and to engage our senior members.
The list of table hosts for April 3 so far includes: Judith Bogart, Ted Bushelman, Laura Carr, Debbie Copeland-Bloom, Debra DeCourcy, Peter Hollister, Dan Pinger, Tom Schick and Patsy Trubow. Table hosts will be recognized at the start of the luncheon with a brief introduction. Any senior practitioner who would like to participate can contact FlyCinci@aol.com. We would welcome your involvement.
We will be introducing other ideas in the months ahead, including a plan to create a resource network of senior practitioners who will share their wealth of experience.
Engaging our senior practitioners has been a goal of Chapter President Lisa Doxsee. A number of senior members have been helpful in developing ideas. We would like to especially thank Judith Bogart, Ted Bushelman and Laura Carr for their input.
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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 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.
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Dayton PRSA:
http://www.prsadayton.org/
Nobody knows the Net like Shel Holtz. Your organization can’t afford to ignore the latest trends in social computing, and it’s your job to lead the way. In this must-attend, one-day seminar, you’ll learn how to:
- Make sense of the Web—today’s most important medium—as it transitions from a “read-only” venue to a forum for conversation
- Apply the new tools of communication—blogs, wikis, podcasts, vidcasts, intranets, RSS, and social networks—to get business results
- Tie usable metrics to your social media efforts—metrics that will resonate with management
- Overcome objections from lawyers and executives to improve your organization’s communication efforts
Shel Holtz drew record crowds at IABC’s 2006 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. Don’t miss this opportunity to see him in your own home town.
Shel Holtz is Vice President of Marketing for crayon (www.crayonville.com), a New Marketing company. Before joining crayon in 2006, Shel was principal of Holtz Communication + Technology. He is a frequent speaker on online communication topics, and his focus is on helping companies improve their Web sites and intranets and enter the new world of social media.
Date: Thursday, April 26
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton, Ohio
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with registration opening at 8:00 a.m.
Fee: Your registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, and parking at the Dayton Convention Center.
$99 for members of IABC, PRSA, AMA, GDAA, and GDITA.
$139 for non-members
Sponsored by IABC, PRSA, AMA, the Greater Dayton Advertising Association, and the Greater Dayton IT Alliance
California Inland Empire PRSA:
http://www.prsaie.org/
Detroit PRSA:
www.prsadetroit.org
Rhoda Weiss, CEO and chair of the Public Relations Society of America, will present "21st Century PRevolution: Best Practices and Trends from Across the Nation and Around the World" to the PRSA-Detroit chapter on Thursday, April 12. Weiss’ talk is open to all.
Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA, will speak at the PRSA-Detroit luncheon from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Detroit Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 333 E. Jefferson, Detroit. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Contact Nancy Skidmore at 248-545-6499 or nskidmore@earthlink.net to reserve a spot. Reservations can also be made and paid for on the chapter's Web site – www.prsadetroit.org – using PayPal or a credit card. One does not need a PayPal account to use the service.
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By Patty Van Zandt
Public Relations
University of Cincinnati & Dayton
Hello All,
I'm currently putting together guest speaker lists for the University of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton's public relations classes. If you are interested in sharing your on-the-job experience with students who aspire to work in the field of PR, here is what the volunteer effort would entail:
You may be contacted to speak once every couple of years, or more if you like, at the University of your choice. You certainly can decline when asked, I understand deadlines, and the nature of PR work. If you are able to speak, students will want to know what your responsibilities are, what you're currently working on, how you like it, etc. It's fun and easy.
Students enjoy hearing from professionals in the field. It helps them gain a wider perspective about public relations, and hopefully you will find the experience rewarding as well. At a minimum, you will have a contact at the University who will be willing to assist you in some way in the future.
Please let me know if you're interested. My contact info is listed below. Thank you all.
Patty Van Zandt
Public Relations
University of Dayton
University of Cincinnati
(513) 398-6607
pattyvze@cinci.rr.com
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Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa
By Sara Khatib
Public Relations Student Society of America will be holding this year’s National Assembly March 22-25 in Nashville, Tennessee.
National Assembly provides an opportunity for individuals representing PRSSA Chapters throughout the country to select the National PRSSA officers.
Overall, assembly gives chapters a chance for individual representation, a say in the election process and the experience of interacting with other chapters from around the country.
Each PRSSA Chapter sends one representative to the assembly, an executive board member, though all Chapters are allowed to send more than one representative. This year, Miami University’s PRSSA Chapter is sending vice president Whitney Gibb to represent the Chapter as a National Officer. Gibb also attended last year’s National Assembly in San Francisco, along with current Miami PRSSA Chapter President, Carrie Himmelman.
Because the Assembly holds one of the most important aspects of National PRSSA, electing the next representatives, the Assembly places strong emphasis on understanding and abiding by the PRSSA code of conduct. It requires that each delegate understand the by-laws and the voting process to ensure the selection process is fair.
“Every chapter in the country has to send a delegate to vote at Assembly for the incoming National committee and new PRSSA by-laws; that’s the purpose of the Assembly,” Himmelman said.
To ensure a fair election, the rules of National Assembly voting are quite extensive.
At Assembly, every delegate and each National Officer is entitled to one vote and one-third of all active chapters must be present in order to conduct business. To ensure privacy, election of all PRSSA National Committee members is conducted through secret ballots cast by Assembly Delegates.
All PRSSA members are welcome to attend by registering for Assembly, but there are specific requirements for those interested in running for a position on the PRSSA National Committee.
To be eligible, one must be a member in good standing of an active PRSSA Chapter, able to maintain PRSSA membership for the duration of his or her term on the National Committee, and be a full-time student from the time he or she is elected through the fall term.
Candidates running for National Presidency must have served on the National Committee for at least six months. However, if only one candidate has fulfilled this requirement, the candidacy is then open for all PRSSA members who have fulfilled other requirements.
Additionally, individuals interested in National Office must submit the official nomination form, a 250-word essay identifying their favorite leader and explaining their choice and a letter of recommendation from their faculty or professional advisor.
According to Himmelman, it is important for Miami PRSSA’s voice to be heard at Assembly.
“By sending a member of our chapter, Miami receives voting representation,” Himmelman said.
Representation and attendance are important because they allow Miami to interact with other chapters from across the country, and it ensures that the Chapter has contributed to the selection of PRSSA National Officers.
The Assembly’s three-day program includes an optional day of competition, a welcome reception, breakfast, special training sessions, the actual Assembly meeting and voting and lastly a meet and greet with the newly elected officers and current National Committee.
Individuals are able to register for the optional day of competition, which allows members to utilize their public relations skills in a competitive but fun environment.
This year, Allstate Insurance Company is the PRSSA’s day of competition client.
Assembly attendees participating in day of competition are able to form a team and must develop a communications plan for Allstate in front of a team of judges.
The winning team is recognized at the welcome reception and rewarded with $50 accompanied by a personalized plaque.
Himmelman said she has high hopes for this year’s Assembly and Miami PRSSA’s representation.
“I hope that Whitney enjoys herself and learns more about the industry,” Himmelman said. “I also hope she networks with other Chapters for both her benefit and our Chapter’s and that she brings home suggestions and new ideas for our Chapter.”
Himmelman adds that it will be both beneficial and exciting for Miami’s PRSSA Chapter to hear about Gibb’s experiences with other chapters and National Officers overall.
Northern Kentucky University PRSSA:
www.nkuprssa.org
By Kelly Warman
As PR students we are taught the value of getting involved in the community. Exposure is an important part of PR and a great way to network. However, I found the value of community involvement cannot be taught. In order to understand the rewards of community involvement, you must get involved.
For months the NKU PRSSA has been actively pursuing an opportunity to aid local Girl Scouts in earning their PR badge. After lots of phone tag and email tag, we set a date and began to plan for a mini-seminar for the girls. This was the NKU PRSSA’s first chance of the year to teach others about PR.
The day came and after a thirty minute summary of the basics of PR, we split the girls into three groups and gave them instructions on how to create their own promotional material. Despite our initial thoughts of some resistance, the girls appeared eager to get started. By the end of the seminar the materials were completed, printed and ready to distribute.
The thanks we received from the troops cannot be described in words. Even though the girls had to participate to earn a badge, they enjoyed themselves and walked away with an understanding of public relations. The troop leaders were equally impressed with our ability to make it understood for the girls, as we had a variety of age groups.
From this seminar, our members felt a sense of community and a sense of accomplishment. Describing PR is not an easy task, especially to a group so diverse. Being able to do so effectively has boosted our confidence and we are now seeking other opportunities to get involved in the community.
(To see a photo of the event, check the Community Recorder website. We appeared in the Campbell Community Recorder).
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The Business Courier has partnered with PRSA to highlight a special editorial feature in the May 4, 2007 issue of the Business Courier. Who’s Who in Greater Cincinnati Advertising, PR & Design is our annual guide for the public relations industry.
The publication covers the movers and shakers in the local Ad, PR, and Design industry.
We are inviting you to join us in supporting this special section with an advertisement. As a PRSA member you’ll receive a 15 percent discount on display advertising. See the attached flyer detailing the options, from listings to display ads. There is also a free editorial component which allows you to provide information on your CEO. This can be done on our website, at www.cincinnati.bizjournals.com.
Please join us in this unique advertising opportunity to promote your own business to an impressive audience. Space reservations are due on April 5, and artwork will be due on April 15. Please contact Wende Powell at the Cincinnati Business Courier for more information. She can be reached at 513-337-9454 or wpowell@bizjournals.com.
By Ann Wylie
What's worse than training your workers and losing them? Not training them and keeping them.
— Zig Ziglar, Motivational speaker
I was having lunch with the vice president of corporate communications at a California-based Fortune 500 company when the topic of bad writing came up.
He detailed the problems his company was having because so many communicators struggled with their writing skills. Among the problems he mentioned:
- The VP spent one-quarter of his time rewriting copy instead of focusing on communication strategy.
- Employees didn't receive and act on key messages because they didn't read employee newsletters and intranet stories. The result: Employees didn't support — or sometimes even know about — corporate initiatives.
- Press coverage was mediocre because press releases were mediocre.
"What's all this costing your company?" I asked.
"Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars," he said, "in lost productivity, lost opportunities and wasted executive time."
A good writer is hard to find
My California client isn't alone. Communication executives bemoan the lack of good writers:
- Senior public relations practitioners believe writing is the area where young professionals need the most improvement, according to a survey by the Public Relations Society of American's Counselor's Academy.
- "Our client surveys have consistently shown that good writing is one of the five top performance measures in gauging client service," Bob Druckenmiller, CEO of Porter Novelli, tells The Strategist. "At the same time, we've seen a growth in concern about the quality of writing by our clients and, of course, by us."
- "Young people don't enter the field as skilled in writing as they once did," Ann Barkelew, senior vice president, partner and general manager of Fleishman-Hillard, tells PR Tactics. "The overall level of proficiency has declined."
What's a business communicator to do? Here are five ways to improve your team's writing skills:
1. Place a value on writing
If you want better writing, you need to value better writers.
But in most organizations these days, managers value strategic skills far more than technical ones. No wonder your most talented communicators are writing communication plans instead of newsletters and brochures.
Instead, give your top writers a path for success.
Back to the drawing board: Hallmark Cards, the social expression giant that boasts the world's largest creative staff, offers creative folks two career paths. One is the traditional hierarchical path, where a successful artist becomes a manager, then a director, then a vice president.
But the second path is a creative one, where a successful artist becomes an illustrator II, III, senior illustrator, master illustrator and so forth. These top artists never plan a product line or manage a staff (though they do lead by example); they climb the career ladder while staying at their drawing tables.
Distinguished tacticians: AT&T uses another approach. It designates highly successful communicators "Distinguished Members of the Public Relations Department." The program was designed to reward communicators who weren't eligible for promotion for one reason or another, including that their expertise was too tactical, technical or specialized.
The organization's top leaders nominate communicators who make ongoing, significant contributions to the department and discuss the nominations until they reach consensus. In addition to the nice title, the honor also comes with a pay increase (about U.S. $10,000) and an office space and furniture upgrade.
Rewarding writing: Of course strategy is important. But it's not enough. (After all, the best strategy combined with the worst writing will fail just as will the worst strategy paired with the best writing.)
Find a way to reward great writing in your organization, and watch the writing get better and better.
2. Don't try to fix bad writers
Writers are like husbands. It's a mistake to take on terribly flawed ones with the intention of fixing them later.
The solution: Hire better writers in the first place.
Nobody's ever accused me of being overly modest, but as a trainer, even I know I can't transform a shaky writer into a Shakespeare during a writing workshop or two. Instead, I follow the rule of 10 percent — figure you can help your writers improve by 10 percent through training. Add another 10 percent a year if you offer consistent, ongoing, follow-up training and coaching.
That means you can help a B writer become an A writer and an A writer become a master. But if your writers are failing, you can only hope to help them attain a low C — and that's with your daily hard work and support.
I've been there, tried that and trashed the T-shirt. It's a miserable way to live and work. Instead, consider only good and excellent writers for your writing posts.
That means you need to get better at evaluating potential writers and rewarding them.
Evaluate potential writers: Don't even think about looking at published clips. There are a lot of great clips out there with writers' names on them that are really the work of editors and managers. You know that. So what to do?
- Request first drafts as well as published clips.
- Talk in detail to the manager who edited the project — not just about the candidate in general, but about the piece itself. You want to learn what the candidate contributed to the piece. Be specific: Ask about particular phrases and anecdotes.
- Assign the candidate a writing project, if possible. I'm not talking about some ridiculous little writing test you give during the interview, but an actual piece for your newsletter or brochure. Plan to pay the going rate for freelance writing, and plan to use the piece. If the copy isn't usable, the candidate probably won't be, either.
- Develop an assessment tool for evaluating writing samples and projects. Mine includes a three-point scale (great, OK, not a clue) and covers 40 categories, from positioning the story in the readers' best interest, to structure, to creative elements, to display copy. (For a free copy of my assessment, e-mail me at ann@wyliecomm.com. Put "WCI Writing assessment" in the subject line. You’ll want to create your own assessment, but this one should get you started.)
Offer excellent salary and benefits: Enough said.
3. Attend your own writing workshops
Here are three reasons to go to the writing workshops you schedule with outside trainers:
- You need to be on the same page. If you're not there, you can't lead folks in implementing the trainer's ideas.
- You might learn something yourself. One of the highlights of the Nieman Program on Narrative Journalism at Harvard University is the throng of Pulitzer Prize winners. Not just behind the microphone, but in the audience. These folks have earned the highest U.S. honor their profession bestows — but still seek ways to polish their skills. Shouldn't you, too?
- Your writers will complain about you behind your back if you're not there.
4. Offer ongoing coaching and training
Writing training is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Keep up the momentum after your workshop with lunch-and-learns, coaching and assigned readings. RevUpReadership.com is a good resource for continuous learning. (Find out whether you qualify for group discounts: http://tinyurl.com/e7l8l.)
5. Celebrate success
Now that you're seeing better writing, spread the word. Share your team members' great work with each other to model what you're looking for (and, frankly, to generate friendly competition).
As famous writing trainer Ann Wylie likes to say, "The behavior we celebrate is the behavior they replicate."
How to improve your team's writing skills
So: Recruit a good writer. Give her a career track. Pay her, train her, coach her, and show off her great work.
That should be business as usual in business communications.
About the author
Ann Wylie is president of the U.S.-based Wylie Communications Inc. Her training business takes her from Hollywood to Helsinki, helping communicators in companies from AT&T to Wells Fargo polish their writing skills and find new inspiration for their work. Ann is the creator of RevUpReadership.com, a toolbox for writers, and more than a dozen other learning tools. Learn about her training, consulting and writing services at WylieComm.com.
Copyright © 2007 Ann Wylie. All rights reserved.
(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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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. back to top
Ready to make a difference? PRSA is seeking members wishing to volunteer their time and expertise on a 2007 PRSA National Committee, Task Force or other PRSA group.
Through your generous efforts, you will be helping to build value, demand and global understanding for the public relations profession.
The time is now. Please visit http://www.prsa.org/_Membership/volunteer/ and fill out the PRSA Volunteer Sign-Up Form. You will be required to indicate your five areas of interest from the list of opportunities below:
- Accreditation Marketing Committee
- Audit Committee
- Advocacy Advisory Board
- Assembly Task Force
- Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS)
- Business School/MBA Program Initiative
- Capital Hill Relationship Initiative
- Chapter/District Council
- Crisis/Contingency Plans Ad Hoc Committee
- Diversity Advisory Board
- Education Affairs Committee
- Global Initiatives Advisory Board
- Governance Committee
- Historical Archive Project Committee
- Honors & Awards Committee
- International Conference Committee
- Innovations Team
- Investment Advisory Committee
- Marketing and Branding Committee
- Membership Committee
- Member Communications and Publications Audit Task Force
- National Partnership Task Force
- Professional Development Committee
- PRSA Foundation
- Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
- Research Committee
- 60th Anniversary Committee
- Strategic Planning Committee
- Student Internship Task Force
- Universal Accreditation Board (UAB)
- Work, Life, Gender Committee
Once we receive your information, we will do our best to identify a leadership opportunity for you.
Please contact Donna Jonas at National Headquarters at donna.jonas@prsa.org or 2007 PRSA National CEO and Board Chair Rhoda Weiss at rhoda.weiss@prsa.org with any questions.
On behalf of the national board and all PRSA leaders, we look forward to partnering with you to advance the profession, the professional and the organizations and communities we serve.
2007 Process Begins to Nominate Officer and Board of Director Candidates
Contacts: Debbie Girard , 212-460-1495
NEW YORK (March 14, 2007) - The 2007 Nominating Committee of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world's largest organization for public relations professionals, announced today the start of its annual process of recruiting candidates for 2008 board officer and director positions.
“We have so many talented, dedicated leaders in PRSA,” said Judy Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA, chair, 2007 Nominating Committee. “We want to encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity that board service provides to use their passion and skills to make a real difference in our Society and our profession.”
The available national positions are:
- Chair-elect
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Director, North Pacific District
- Director, Southeast District
- Director, Southwest District
- Director-at-Large
- Assembly delegates-at-large (two positions are open)
- International delegates-at-large (two positions are open)
Eligible candidates are Accredited, PRSA members in good standing who have served in at least one of the following capacities:
- Voting delegate in at least one national PRSA Assembly;
- Chapter president;
- Section chair;
- District chair; or,
- Chair of a national committee.
All candidate applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (in the time zone in which the candidate resides) on Monday, June 11, 2007. Once eligibility is confirmed, PRSA members will be able to send comment letters regarding candidates with a limit of 300 or fewer words. The Nominating Committee will review applications and commentary and then meet August 3-5 to interview officer candidates in person and director candidates by phone. Candidates for Assembly delegate-at-large and international delegate-at-large positions will be considered based on information they provide on their application.
The Nominating Committee will then make final selections for nominees for presentation to the Society's Assembly, the principal PRSA governing body. The PRSA Assembly will elect candidates for office on Oct. 20, prior to the start of the PRSA 2007 International Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Names of potential candidates should be sent to Judy Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA, chair, 2007 Nominating Committee, PRSA, 33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038-5150 or by e-mail at nomcomm@prsa.org. Information packets that outline the specifics of the nominating process will be sent to those individuals. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
The candidate application, process timetable and other nominating material can be found by clicking here.
The deadline for receiving completed candidate materials is 5:00 p.m. (in the time zone in which the candidate resides) on Monday, June 11, 2007 — no exceptions. For example, an East Coast-based candidate will have to submit materials by 5:00 p.m. EDT; a West Coast-based candidate will have to submit materials by 8:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT.
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PRSA National Calendar of Events
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When targeting top Public Relations and Marketing Professionals, sponsorship of the Cincinnati PRSA Chapter is a sound investment. Put your organization in front by reaching the Tri-State’s most respected communications professionals.
This is an exciting time for the public relations industry in Greater Cincinnati, with new business on the horizon, new opportunities with greater public relations initiatives and a strong spirit at the local chapter of PRSA. Capitalizing on one of the finest years in chapter history, with high attendance, solid sponsors and great programming, 2007 promises to be a year of growth and vitality the membership expects for professional growth and networking.
Sponsorship of the Cincinnati Chapter of the PRSA allows your business to become a strategic marketing partner with a respected and talented group of communications professionals. Unprecedented visibility and branding within your profession and target audience, coupled with an investment in the continued growth of public relations professionals in your community, makes leveraging a marketing partnership with the Cincinnati Chapter of the PRSA a powerful investment.
The 2007 sponsorship opportunities leverage our energy and strength, and reflect our collective commitment to the growth and success of Cincinnati’s public relations community. Ultimately, this partnership allows sponsors access to some of the finest public relations professionals in the nation.
Event Sponsors (9 Monthly Luncheons)
Presenting Sponsor Benefits
- Logo and sponsor recognition on meeting announcement postcard mailing (distribution is approx. 450); also on e-mail follow up reminders to chapter members.
- Logo, link, and sponsor recognition on the chapter web site www.cincinnatiprsa.org.
- 2 complimentary tickets to the sponsored meeting, and reserved seats at the president's table.
- Logo signage (provided by sponsor) in primary locations at the meeting.
- Literature/Promotional Items (provided by sponsor) can be distributed at the meeting.
- The opportunity to introduce the guest speaker.
Investment: $500
Other Sponsorship Opportunities
Other sponsorship opportunities would be available if there are specific ideas or goals you would like to achieve. Opportunities include:
- Chapter Awards Program
- New Professionals Group
- Chapter functions such as accreditation and community service
- Website banner ads
Sponsorship programs can be tailored to your strategic needs and marketing goals.
If interested in any of the above mentioned sponsorships please contact Elaine Zeinner elaine.zeinner@kentonlibrary.org or call her at 859-962-4060 ext. 4204. back to top
For information on PRSA membership, email Chris Kemper, APR, or call him at (513) 455-9228.
Membership information can also be found at www.cincinnatiprsa.org/membership/index.php
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Thank you to all of you who have been keeping your membership records up-to-date. It really helps us to stay in contact with you. Please understand that there are actually two sets of your records, one kept by National and one kept here locally. While I can view your records with National, I do not have access to change them. Therefore, whenever a change needs to be made you need to contact both the national office and the local one.
This can now be done in one step by using MemberNet which is hosted on the National website, www.prsa.org. Towards the top of the home page there is a link to login. There are instructions to help you login for the first time. Once you login in you will have access to update your personal profile.
*However, if you have already changed jobs and no longer have access to the email address National has on file for you, you will either need to email them at membership@prsa.org or call them at 212-460-1400.
I receive weekly reports of all changes done at MemberNet and use those to update my records. What a great service this is and we thank the National office!
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PRSA-Cincinnati Chapter
PO Box 43242
Cincinnati, OH 45243
Voice Mail: (513) 792-0402
Fax: (513) 984-9191
Chapter Administrator
Anne Campbell
acampbell@fuse.net
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February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
PDF Versions Available:
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