Tell us about promotions, success stories or failures in your work world and let us share them with fellow PRSA members. To read about your fellow members, please click here. Please email Shasta Taber (srtaber@hotmail.com) with your news.
-Rob Pasquinucci, APR (Cincinnati PRSA Chapter President)
Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news:
On the local front:
December Holiday Luncheon with AMA - click here
President's Letter with Survey Link - click here
Important Information about 2009 Chapter Dues - click here
New Sponsorship Opportunities for the End of the Year - click here
Accreditation Corner Request for Members with their APR
- click here
Blacksmith Awards Request - click here
New Diversity Section - click here
New Professionals' December Happy Hour with AMA - click here
Member/Agency/Company News to See Which Member is Now
Part of National Board of Directors - 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. Including an opportunity to help Hamilton County’s Foster Care Program & Cincinnati's Ronald McDonald House- click here.
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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By Rob Pasquinucci, APR
As this election season finally comes to a close, there’s one more poll we need to take – the PRSA survey. The board would like you to tell us what you liked – and what you didn’t like this year and give us feedback to plan next year’s events. Don’t worry about offending anyone, brutal honesty is the best policy in this case. We’ll draw a winner for a free PRSA Cincinnati travel mug. Follow this link to the survey, it’s three pages, but should take you about 5 minutes.
The Blacksmiths are coming! What better way to build your resume in these tough economic times than to win a Blacksmith award! New categories are offered this year and an online call for entries will be posted soon.
As my year as your president draws to a close, I want to say it’s been an honor to serve this great group of professionals. Thanks to the board and leadership team for a terrific job this year, and thanks to Anne for her great work as chapter administrator. I extend my best wishes to incoming president Laura Carr, a savvy PR pro who has some great ideas for next year. As always, let us know if you have ideas or ways we can make your PRSA experience better.
By Rob Pasquinucci, APR
PRSA Board member Chris Kemper and his wife, Jenna welcomed Claira Ruth Kemper to the world Oct. 22nd. Congratulations!
 
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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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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
By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR
PRSA Members,
As December draws near, we have two great opportunities for you to reach a large audience with your company message, while also giving money to some great causes.
On December 4th at BlackFinn our New Pros are teaming up with the AMA Young Pros to have a Happy Hour. The event is expected to have high attendance, and your message would not only reach PRSA members, but also AMA members. We have one, exclusive sponsorship available for $100. You will receive the ability to display any signage you wish, pass out materials and give a 5 minute introduction. We are only offering one sponsorship, so first come first served.
Also, on December 12 we will be having our annual holiday luncheon with the AMA. By being a sponsor of this event, you can reach over 2,000 marketing and communication professionals. The cost is only $150 and includes a free ticket to the party (valued at $30). Your company name will be included on table tent signs at the event, PRSA/AMA Newsletters and PRSA/AMA websites. We have two slots for luncheon sponsors available.
If sponsorship does not fit within your 2008 budget, your company can still get noticed at the event. PRSA & AMA team up with The FreestoreFoodbank to give
food to the needy. Your company can donate an item (over $25.00 value) to the FreestoreFoodbank raffle. Those in attendance receive a raffle ticket for the
non-perishable food items they donate, in an effort to win your raffle prize.
If you are interested in any of these great opportunities, please contact me directly at pasquinucci.sm@pg.com or 513-983-2324. Thanks!
Best,
Sarah Pasquinucci, APR
Sponsorship - PRSA
By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR
Want two minutes to speak to the chapter without forking over the money to sponsor an event? Now you can! Just donate an item for a raffle (Must be $25 value or more) – whether it is Zoo tickets, Reds tickets, an ipod gift card or something related to your company or business. Just donate an item for a raffle and you can pick the winner at the meeting and give a brief elevator pitch about your business. Email Sarah Pasquinucci at spasquinucci@cgmarcom.com to set up your month for a drawing!
By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR
With the anticipation of ground-breaking speakers, unbeatable networking and dynamic events in 2008, we are changing our sponsorship structure to give our sponsors more opportunities.
Our growing chapter includes 260 members – communication going to more than 450 - who specialize in public relations, communications and marketing within corporations, agencies and non-profit. Our meetings fill ballrooms with nationally-known speakers and local experts. Our Web page receives countless visitors, accommodating those seeking information about the organization and the industry.
Please review the opportunities below. With our increased attendance and high-level speakers, we anticipate sponsorships will go fast. So, please contact Sarah Pasquinucci at spasquinucci@cgmarcom.com as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Corporate Sponsor (1) - $1,500 (pro-rated due to start in March)
- One ticket to every monthly luncheon
- Right of first refusal for presenting sponsor at the Blacksmiths 2008
- Logo displayed on Cincinnati PRSA Web site for entire year (Jan-Dec)
- Logo on every postcard and meeting reminder
- One program sponsorship of your choice (first come first served re: date)
NOTE: The corporate sponsor availability is a premier offering that will only include one company, agency or non-profit. It will be on a first come, first served basis.
Program Sponsors (2) - must be non-competing businesses - $400 each
- Two tickets to program
- Two minutes to speak about service/company before luncheon
- Ability to have a trade show booth, provided by sponsor
- Logo on all meeting materials
- Logo on Web site during month of the meeting
- Ability to put materials on tables during the meeting
- Ability to give away a prize – collect business cards
NOTE: This year we will be accepting up to two program sponsors. These sponsors cannot be competing businesses, so it is also on a first come, first served basis.
Sponsor Drawing
In December, we will hold a sponsor drawing. Each program sponsor gets one entry per sponsorship and the corporate sponsor gets five entries. The drawing winner will receive an ad on our home page for the entire year of 2009.
Sponsorships can be secured up to 12 months in advance. You can secure a date, a subject (ex: ethics luncheon) or a specific speaker once known. Because of the increased demand this year, we recommend you secure your spot as soon as you can.
In addition to our luncheon sponsorships, we will have additional opportunities such as media day, happy hours, New Professionals events, brown bag lunches and Blacksmith Awards. We will make you aware of these opportunities as they arise.
Please secure your spot today!
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December 12, 2008 - Holiday Luncheon
Celebrate the season, visit with friends, network with professionals, and enjoy a delicious lunch. The local chapters of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) are celebrating the holidays together.
To encourage the holiday spirit, we are partnering with the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank on a canned food drive and raffle at the event. To participate, simply bring canned goods to donate at the luncheon. For each canned good you bring, you will receive one raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes. You can also buy raffle tickets for $1 during the luncheon. All proceeds will benefit the FreeStore FoodBank.
SPONSORSHIP/DOOR PRIZES OPPORTUNITIES:
By being a sponsor of this event, you can reach over 2,000 public relations and marketing professionals. The cost is only $150 and includes a free ticket to the party (valued at $30). Your company name will be listed on the invitation as well as being included on table tent signs at the event, PRSA Newsletter and PRSA website.
If sponsorship does not fit within your 2008 budget, your company can still get noticed at the event. AMA and PRSA have teamed up with The Freestore Foodbank to give food to the needy. Your company can donate an item (over $25.00 value) to the Freestore Foodbank raffle. Those in attendance receive a raffle ticket for the non-perishable food items they donate, in an effort to win your raffle prize.
If your company's goodie closet is running low on promotional items, leave the shopping to us. Members of the Event Committee can purchase items, gift certificates, etc. in your name to the raffle. Just let us know how much you will like to donate and we will purchase the item/items.
If you are interested in any of these great opportunities, please contact Sarah Pasquinucci directly at pasquinucci.sm@pg.com or 513-983-2324. Thanks!
Date: |
Friday, December 12, 2008 |
Place: |
Club East, Paul Brown Stadium |
Time: |
11:30 am- Check-in and Networking
12:00 pm - Lunch & Program
(scheduled to be over around 1:15 pm) |
Cost: |
$30 for PRSA & AMA Cincinnati Chapter Members
$45 for Non-Members
$20 for PRSSA Members
Cost includes a plated lunch & parking. |
RSVP: |
By 5 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008.
Reservations can be made one of three ways.
1) Register and prepay NOW online.
2) Send an email to acampbell@fuse.net
3) Leave a voice message at 513-792-0402. |
Menu: |
Meat Lasagna (Check the Vegetarian box when registering if you prefer Vegetarian Lasagna.) |
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. |
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 Connie Kolita, APR
The chapter’s Fall 2008 APR Review Course will be finished November 20th, which means the APR candidates will tackle their Readiness Review presentations before we know it (go class!). Therefore, the chapter is in need of APRs willing to serve on Readiness Review panels (three APRs comprise one RR panel). E-mail Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita (KolitaCM@fhlbcin.com) if you are willing to assist. You’ll earn 1 APR maintenance point for each panel on which you sit and you’ll help your fellow chapter members achieve the designation. We will get you up to speed on how to serve as a panelist.
By Connie Kolita, APR
APRs: Anytime you get a new e-mail address (position change, etc.), please inform us via Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita (e-mail KolitaCM@fhlbcin.com). We strive to have the most current chapter APR list possible. Thanks!
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 Megan Licursi
The Blacksmith Committee has been very busy identifying opportunities to improve Cincinnati PRSA’s annual awards program.
Our priority right now is getting a Call for Entries out. And, we’re looking for a design firm that can help us accomplish that. If you’re interested, please e-mail megan@licursi.net. We can work out a sponsorship package in exchange for the help.
When you get your Call for Entries, you’ll notice that we’ve redefined the categories, and added new ones. This year, the campaigns will be submitted by industry and projects will be submitted by tactic (i.e. best press release, best annual report, best media clip, etc).
We’re also expanding the Best Of The Year awards to include students, non-profit and corporate teams as well as agencies.
Of course, if any of you have any suggestions for improving the awards program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. back to top
By Renea Morris
Don’t forget to tune in for monthly podcasts on various diversity topics. Last month’s topic was “Finding and Working with Ethnic Media.” Tune in at http://diversity.prsa.org
Renea Morris
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored four of its Chapters with the 2008 PRSA Chapter Diversity Awards for outstanding efforts to promote the organization’s national diversity initiative. Ivonne Couret, co-chair of the PRSA National Diversity Committee, and PRSA Chair & CEO Jeff Julin, APR, presented the awards to representatives from the Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Wichita Chapters at the PRSA Assembly Luncheon on Oct. 25. Chapters recognized were Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Kansas Chapters. To read more, go to www.prsa.org/diversity/ChapterDiversityAwards-WINNERS.html
By Renea Morris
The election of Barack Obama to be President of the United States does not signify the end of American racism...but looking at the President-elect and his family does provide a unique backdrop of what diversity can mean and a “right now” feeling of hope for any US citizen that is neither white nor wealthy.
In a recent article in About.com, citing the top five reasons for Obama’s victory, the number one reason is his “empathy and genuine help for middle-class Americans,” followed by an acknowledgement of his “steady leadership and calm temperament.”
Obama earned more than 120 newspaper endorsements, including an endorsement by The Chicago Tribune, which had never before endorsed a Democrat for the presidency in its 161 year existence.
Excerpts from The Chicago Tribune endorsement –
“We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready…” “Obama is deeply grounded in the best aspirations of this country, and we need to return to those aspirations.... He has risen with his honor, grace and civility intact. He has the intelligence to understand the grave economic and national security risks that face us, to listen to good advice and make careful decisions.”
“On Nov. 4th we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose,” the Tribune editorial said. “The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama.”
With an electoral vote of 365, well over the 270 needed to win the election, change did come to America.
According to President-elect Barack Obama in Chicago’s Grant Park on election night, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
God Bless the United States of America!
America’s First Family-To-Be – President-elect Barack Obama with daughters Natasha “Sasha” and Malia and wife Michelle on Election Night
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Congressional Quarterly Interviews Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin on PRSA's Ethics Challenge to Presidential Candidates
The influential Congressional Quarterly Weekly interviewed Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin and ran a prominently placed story on PRSA's recent ethics challenge to the presidential candidates calling upon them to pledge to principles of PRSA's Code of Ethics. Click here to view the full article in the legendary D.C. publication widely read by members of Congress and other government influencers.
PRSA Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin Featured in Denver Business Journal
In the September 19-25, 2008 issue of the Denver Business Journal, PRSA Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin was featured in a front-page article in which he discussed PRSA's challenge to the presidential candidates.
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NEW:
Lynette B. Colosimo
13 Pleasant Ridge Ave
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
513-532-2128
LBColosimo@aol.com
Laura Mae Gaffin
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Hobsons
50 E-Business Way, Ste 300
Cincinnati, OH 45241
513-924-3222
lgaffin@hobsons-us.com
Eva Keller
Mktg & Commun Mgr
BAE Systems
9113 Le Saint Dr
Fairfield, OH 45014
513-881-9825
eva.keller@baesystems.com
Valerie T. McCarthy
Mktg Spec
BAE Systems
9113 Le Saint Dr
Fairfield, OH 45014
513-881-9842
valerie.mccarthy@baesystems.com
Jennifer Moore
1031 Cutter St
Cincinnati, OH 45203
513-348-0214
moore_jennifera@yahoo.com
Amanda Storer
Commun Dir
Goshen Township
6757 Goshen Rd
Goshen, OH 45122
513-722-3400
mandy.storer@goshen-oh.gov
Rochelle Thompson, BA MCP
Contract Compliance Officer
City of Cincinnati
805 Central Ave, Ste 222, 2 Continental Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-352-1952
rochelle.thompson@cincinnatioh.gov
REINSTATED:
Kimberly A. Ashley
P R Dir
Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
9075 Centre Point Dr, Ste 200
West Chester, OH 45069
513-682-8863
kim.ashley@anthem.com
Sara Paige Snyder
2415 Fox Sedge Way, Unit R
West Chester, OH 45069
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Thursday, Dec. 4th at Black Finn from 6 p.m. to ???
The PRSA New Pros and the American Marketing Association Young Pros groups are teaming up for a Holiday Happy Hour on Dec. 4th at Black Finn in Downtown Cincinnati. We will have half price drinks and appetizer specials. Join us for an evening of fun and networking with PR and marketing professionals from the area. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet a few people before the PRSA/AMA luncheon later in December.
Please RSVP to cincynewpros@yahoo.com. Keep an eye out for more information via e-mail.
By Jonathan Kissell
Thank you to Jackie Reau for sharing a few PR horror stories with the New Pros on Oct. 28th at the Oakley Library. The New Pros learned about a variety of topics, such as dealing with overnight media frenzies and managing media ambushes of executives.
By Jonathan Kissell
Are you looking for a way to enhance your career? Do you have ideas about what is important to new PR practitioners? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for the PRSA New Pros planning committee.
The New Pros group is seeking members to serve on the 2009 planning committee. Members of the committee develop, plan and implement monthly events and programs for the New Pros group. The New Pros committee usually meets four times each year to discuss the upcoming programs. The meetings typically last about an hour.
If interested, please contact Jonathan Kissell at cincynewpros@yahoo.com with your name and contact information.
About the PRSA New Professionals
The New Professionals group is a network of PR practitioners new to the industry, typically with five or fewer years experience. Our meetings address issues pertinent to a new PR professional. There are many benefits for becoming involved in the New Pros group, including:
- To establish relationships with fellow new professionals,
- To develop your professional career,
- To learn more about PRSA and its offerings.
Membership is free. You do not have to be a member of PRSA to attend New Pros functions, but we highly encourage you to join PRSA. Please send an e-mail to cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to our e-mail list or if you would like additional information
Call for Experts
Are you a PRSA member searching for a way to give back to your chapter? The New Pros group continually searches for experts willing to speak at our events. Please e-mail cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you are interested in becoming a featured speaker.
Join the New Pros on Facebook
There’s an easy way to stay connected with the New Pros group – join our Facebook group. The group’s name is “PRSA New Professionals Cincinnati Chapter.” We look forward to seeing you there.
New Pros 2008 Committee
The committee plans, implements and evaluates the New Pros events and programs.
- Katie Busching
- Emily Carpenter
- Susan Eggemeier
- Jessie Erickson Folmar
- Lauren Doyle
- Stephanie Kehn
- Jonathan Kissell, chair
- Darcy Little
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To post a job or circulate your resume, please contact Maureen at mrichmond@northlich.com. Job bank policies can be found at http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/jobBank/index.php.
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Pat Seuberling is the Development Director and PR/Marketing Department for the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky. They are located in Devou Park, Covington in Kentucky. They are in the process of putting a PR Crisis Plan together and would like to request PR help. Seuberling is looking for someone willing to give a few hours to script the questions so answers can be written to several possible scenarios. Contact information is below:
Pat Seuberling, Development Director
Children's Home of Northern Kentucky
200 Home Road, Devou Park
Covington, KY 41011
859-261-8768
pseuberling@chnk.org
www.chnk.org
Our mission is to be a community leader providing children and families hope and opportunity for better lives.
Do you have skills in: administration? Bookkeeping? Fundraising? Graphic design?
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Ohio needs volunteers to help with administrative and office work. It's a chance to give an important gift - your time and your skill.
Please contact MHA Executive Director Nancy Minson by phone at (513) 721-2910, ext. 13 or via e-mail at nminson@mhaswoh.org.
By Cheryl Besl
Give Back Cincinnati (GBC) is looking for several volunteers for its Communications Committee. GBC holds approximately 10 large-scale volunteer and civic engagement activities, as well as social events each year. Members of the Communications Committee will help post events on calendar listings and generate media interest and coverage of the events. GBC is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization of approximately 2,700 members that works to enhance its communities through volunteerism. In addition, the organization partners with local and regional nonprofits to broaden the scope of their impact outside the Cincinnati community. For more information, visit www.givebackcincinnati.org, and to express interest in the Communications Committee, please email communications@givebackcincinnati.org
By Mike Boehmer, APR
More than 800 Hamilton County kids in foster homes and 260 awaiting adoption need your help.
They would greatly appreciate your assistance in getting the word out about the need for foster and adoptive parents.
Invite a speaker to talk to your employees -- or request a supply of brochures or posters. Run an article in your an internal newsletter. Any other ideas welcome!
Hamilton County suffers from a critical shortage of foster homes, placing our most vulnerable children at great risk.
Foster home capacity has reached a critical low point.
In Hamilton County, there are more than 800 children in foster care on any given day, while less than half the number of parents who expressed interest in years past have stepped forward this year.
Among the factors contributing to this decline is media coverage surrounding the Marcus Feisel case, which painted foster parenting in a negative light, stigmatizing what is an honorable and respected service.
With fewer homes available, about a third of Hamilton County foster children must be placed in homes outside of the county -- a practice that has harmful consequences for their long-term success.
- The transition into foster care is even more traumatic, magnifying behavior issues.
- Changing schools makes academic success even more unlikely.
- Keeping siblings together becomes more difficult.
- Reunification is more complicated, causing longer stays in foster care.
Our community must increase the number of local foster homes to ensure that children stay in familiar surroundings. A coalition of community leaders has developed a publicity campaign aimed at recruiting new foster parents. This collaborative includes all three Hamilton County Commissioners, Northlich, the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Clerk of Courts Greg Hartmann, Hamilton County Job and Family Services, the Foster Child Enrichment Council and eight of the region's private foster care providers.
This campaign, developed pro bono by Northlich, has raised awareness and generated interest in foster parenting. The theme, "Everyday Heroes," presents foster parents as heroes for providing stable homes to children in need.
This message has been incorporated in a television commercial, outdoor advertising and a grassroots recruitment effort. Several media outlets and advertising companies are donating airtime and billboard space.
We have begun to support those efforts with grassroots efforts such as community presentations and literature distribution.
Any help from you would be greatly appreciated.
Volunteer your PR skills to a worthy cause and you can make new contacts, add material to your portfolio and earn APR maintenance points.
To post your volunteer request, email a description of your needs to Shasta Taber, srtaber@hotmail.com. Be sure to include contact information for potential volunteers.
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University of Cincinnati PRSSA:
Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa
From October 2008
By: Andrea Sober
On September 19th Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Jr. proposed a $700 billion bailout in hopes of saving the struggling U.S. economy. The purpose of the proposal, called the Troubled Asset Relief Program, was to buy up mortgage-backed securities that had severely lost value.
Originally, Congress rejected the proposal, criticizing it for giving too much power to Paulson, among other things. After new provisions were created, such as providing more oversight, negotiators from Congress and the Senate announced on September 25th that the proposal had been agreed upon. However, it wasn’t until October 3rd that the new bill, called the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, came into effect.
The question is whether this new act will truly stabilize our economy. As the bill states, our economy is in a state of emergency.
But how are businesses dealing with this emergency?
In particular, how is public relations helping these businesses in this time of crisis?
Many businesses, such as AIG and Fannie Mae, are currently being investigated, causing their public relations departments to take a much more active role. The investigation recently discovered that AIG spent $443,000 on an executive retreat, only six days after being financially rescued by the government. Joe Norton, AIG’s director of public relations, said that the retreat was a common practice in the industry and only about ten executives attended the retreat. However, such explanations do little to improve the relationship between AIG and the public.
In fact, on October 9th, AIG’s spending was brought up during discussions in Mr. Bill Brewer’s Communication 259 class. Frustrations were voiced as students asked why AIG would continue to spend money after being thrown a lifeline from the government.
“What do PR professionals do in such a situation?” asked Mr. Brewer.
One student mentioned that AIG and similar struggling companies should highlight their positives, making it known to the public their spending on charities. Another student recommended that AIG’s public relations staff should tell the company to not spend such amounts of money on “executive retreats” that will clearly aggravate the public.
In the end, the taxpayers were the ones who rescued AIG and they are the ones that PR needs to target. AIG and similar companies need to have a crisis communication plan, but these plans are rarely formed before a crisis occurs. In fact, a study by Steven Fink found that 50 percent of the CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies admitted to not having a crisis management plan.
Catherine Huggins, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications at Western & Southern Financial Group, and Jeff Huggins, Vice President of Public Relations at Justice & Young spoke on October 6th at the PRSSA meeting. They explained the different aspects of public relations and in particular, they spoke on the importance of crisis communication.
When asked what crisis communication involves, Mrs. Huggins explained, “What’s really important is that you have to look at audience and timing.”
Both Mr. and Mrs. Huggins also gave examples of good and poor PR. One example of bad PR is how the Financial “Bail Out” was handled by public relations. Some media stations referred to is as the Financial “Rescue Package” while others referred to it as a “bail out.”
“Everybody made an error by not getting the message [on the proposal] across to the public,” explains Catherine Huggins. This error can clearly be seen by the different names for the $700 billion proposal.
The first step in communication is getting the message out to the public; however, public relations has failed in producing the proper information on the seriousness of the financial crisis to our economy and the thousands of jobs at risk. As our economy continues to struggle, public relations has the opportunity to play a vital role in the corporate world. The reputations of such companies as AIG, which has been the largest insurance company for decades, will look to public relations for help, or in AIG’s case, a saving hand.
Northern Kentucky University:
www.nkuprssa.org
Xavier University PRSSA:
Contact Taryn Kukucka, Member, 412-292-0699
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 Stephanie Creech
Dear Friends,
I am inviting you to become a part of something very magical this holiday season. Each day, families from throughout Ohio, across the U.S. and around the world call Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House their “home away from home.” They are here in Cincinnati seeking medical attention for their critically ill or injured children. While they spend long days at nearby Cincinnati Children’s, at the end of each day parents and children can return to Ronald McDonald House to find a clean, comfortable room, a home-cooked meal, laundry facilities, recreational activities and the caring support of a professional staff, more than 200 volunteers and a community made up of other families in similar circumstances. And, during the holiday season, Ronald McDonald House families will celebrate the season away from their homes, their extended families and their communities.
Like you, I can’t imagine anything more frightening than a critically ill child. And, the thought of being away from home during the holidays, wondering how to handle Christmas morning, would only add to the emotional strain of the situation. Each year, Ronald McDonald House provides our guest parents a “Christmas Workshop” where they can select age-appropriate gifts for their children. There are also wrapping stations to ensure that gifts are beautifully wrapped. Then, on Christmas Eve, our guest families gather together awaiting Santa’s arrival. Santa arrives and cheerfully distributes the gifts to each of the families; and, the gifts are ready to be opened on Christmas morning.
I am sure it is no surprise to you that this year, with the downturn in the economy, we anticipate significantly fewer holiday toy donations. This is why I am asking for your help. Below, is a list of much-needed holiday items, as well as a list of items not needed. I hope that each of you, along with your co-workers, family members, church groups and classmates, will join the Ronald McDonald House staff and volunteers in purchasing toys to this year’s toy drive.
Here are our most-needed items for children’s gifts:
Teen gifts for age 12 and up, including gift cards and electronic games
Cars & trucks (age 6 and up)
Baby toys (unisex age 1-3)
Toddler toys (unisex age 3-5)
Infant toys (unisex age 3 mos.-12 mos.)
Board games (age 8 and up)
Puzzles (age 2 and up)
Legos (age 3 and up)
Arts & crafts (all ages)
Electronic games (age 4 and up)
Gifts for fathers – we need 47 of the same item to give one to every dad in their stockings
Gifts for mothers – we need 47 of the same item to give one to every mom in their stockings
Items we do NOT need:
Barbies/Bratz dolls
Board games (age 3-5)
Baby dolls (age 3 and up)
Hats & gloves
Books
Coloring books
Stuffed animals
Cars/trucks (age 3-5)
Newborn and/or preemie clothing
On behalf of all the families who call this House “home,” thank you.
Warm Regards,
Stephanie
Stephanie A. Creech
Communications Manager
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Of Greater Cincinnati
350 Erkenbrecher Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
513.636.2221 Phone
513.636.4887 Fax
E-Mail: screech@rmhouse.org
www.rmhcincinnati.org
By Denise P. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Dear PRSA member,
A group of university researchers want to know what types of crisis communication strategies do public relations professionals prefer in various kinds of crisis situations?
On behalf of Denise P. Ferguson, Ph.D., Indiana Wesleyan University and her colleagues, the Hoosier Chapter of PRSA is encouraging you to share you opinions and approximately 15 minutes of your time by completing the Crisis Communication Survey located here:
Please complete the survey by Friday, Dec. 5, and you'll be entered to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. (Note: To be eligible, you must provide your contact information in the appropriate space provided at the end of the survey.)
The results will be featured in a future professional development format for PRSA members and guests, and electronically.
Thanks in advance for advance for your participation.
Best regards,
Denise
Denise P. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Coordinator, Communication Arts Department Associate Professor of Journalism and Public Relations Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S. Washington St.
Marion, Indiana 46953
765-677-2718
denise.ferguson@indwes.edu
This research study has been reviewed by PRSA's External Research Task Force.
Contact: Kristin O'Connor
For the sixth consecutive year, CyberAlert, Inc. will award public relations grants to a minimum of 10 not-for-profit organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Each grant consists of one full year of free press clipping/media monitoring service from CyberAlert. Each grant ranges in value from $2,700 to $3,900.
CyberAlert is accepting grant applications until December 31 and will announce grant recipients in early January. A simple and secure grant application is available online at https://secure.cyberalert.com/grants.html
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.
Huggins is Assistant Vice President & Director of Corporate Communications at Western & Southern Financial Group®. She has been a member of PRSA since 1989 and served as our Chapter’s alternate delegate to this year’s General Assembly in Detroit.
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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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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