Welcome to PRVisions Cincinnati Chapter Newsletter.

Tell us about promotions, success stories or failures in your work world and let us share them with fellow PRSA members. To read about your fellow members, please click here.  Please email Shasta Taber (srtaber@hotmail.com) with your news. 

-Laura Carr (2009 Cincinnati PRSA Chapter President)

Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news:

On the local front:    

New Articles from PRSSA Chapters from :   

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. 

Editor's Note

Pictures, Comments ... All are Welcome!

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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Chapter Administrator's Note

JOIN THE EXPRESS LANE!

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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Chapter News

Pictures from November luncheon w/ Peter Shankman

(Thanks to Mike Boehmer, APR & Kevin Dugan, APR for pictures)

Peter Shankman

Peter Shankman, Megan Licursi & Kevin Dugan, APR

Cincinnati PRSA Joins the Social Media Scene

By Megan Licursi

There are numerous stories every day about the impact of Web 2.0.  As PR folks, we know firsthand how effective social media campaigns can be.  A startling factoid: Readers are three times more likely to act upon a recommendation seen in a blog as opposed to that same article appearing in traditional media.

I’m pleased to announce that the Cincinnati PRSA has joined Web 2.0 on Facebook and Twitter.  What is Twitter?  Well, that’s probably the subject of another newsletter article. Or a luncheon.  But, to quote one of our members, Kevin Dugan, @prblog, Twitter has the immediacy of instant messaging with the permanence of a blog.   Twitter is broken down into two groups: Followers and Followees. You choose people to follow based on your personal preferences:  relevant postings, industry colleagues, friends, they like the color blue, too, or any other reason, however obscure.  People choose to follow you for the same reason. 

The media are one of the early-adopters of Twitter. One local reporter, Gregory Korte at the Enquirer, @gregorykorte, regularly posts (aka “tweets”) requests for sources. CNN tweets their breaking news. To see the evergrowing list of media on Twitter, check out:  http://mediaontwitter.pbwiki.com/United+States+-+NATIONAL.  Here’s a list of Ohio reporters on Twitter:  http://mediaontwitter.pbwiki.com/United+States%3A+O+-+Z. 

Our Young Pros group took the lead, creating a twitter ID, @cinprsanewpros.  The rest of the chapter followed suite on Twitter. Come follow us at @CincinnatiPRSA. 

On the Facebook front, the Cincinnati PRSA chapter now has a group page:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=48730262862.  Join us here to see photos from past luncheons, discuss subjects such as luncheon speakers and brown bag topics. And, to talk trash about the Blacksmith’s!

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Mark Your Calendar

Friday, December 11 - Social Networking Event

2009 Holiday Party

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.  Join us at Montgomery Inn located in the village of Montgomery, northeast of downtown.

To encourage the holiday spirit, we are partnering with the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank on a canned food drive and raffle.  To participate, simply bring canned goods to donate at the luncheon.  You will receive one raffle ticket for each canned good you bring for a chance to win exciting prizes.  You can also buy raffle tickets for $1.00 each during the luncheon.  All proceeds will benefit the Freestore Foodbank.

Sponsorship Opportunities are available - please contact Ashley Walters.

Many thanks go to our GOLD sponsor -

Interested in sponsoring an event?  Contact Ashley Walters at awalters@northlich.com for more information and sponsor benefits.

Luncheons are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month but may vary depending on speaker and location availability.

Click here to check out further details on upcoming luncheons and other events on the Cincinnati Chapter’s website.  (http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/meetings.htm)

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Membership Corner

Membership Promotion for November and December

By Jonathan Kissell

What makes the current promotion special is both existing PRSA members and new members benefit. Current PRSA members will receive $20 off if they add a Professional Interest Section during November and December while new PRSA members will receive a Section membership for free (note there are some exceptions for Counselors and New Pros.)! Each of PRSA’s 17 Professional Interest Sections provides practice-specific tools for strategic planning, tactical know-how and networking.

PRSA Implements Hardship Program

By Jonathan Kissell

(See more details about the program in the National PRSA section of the newsletter)

PRSA offers a financial hardship plan to members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. The plan is available to anyone who has been a member of PRSA for a total of five or more years and is up for membership renewal. Complete details are available at www.prsa.org. The National rate under the hardship plan is $115, which is a savings of $110 from the regular dues of $225. Members wishing to take advantage of or learn more about the hardship plan should contact Member Services at membership@prsa.org or (212) 460-1400.

Group Membership Program

By Jonathan Kissell

PRSA group membership program offers incentives and benefits for large organizations to join with multiple representatives. The memberships are organization-owned and transferable among employees, if an employee changes departments or leaves the company. The program also provides the convenience of consolidated billing for all members. Finally, the group membership program maximizes savings for organizations by covering the costs of chapter dues or professional interest section fees during the first year.

To qualify, at least eight employees from an organization must join, and two may be current PRSA members. Please contact Malia Moore, PRSA membership development manager, for complete details about the program, Malia.Moore@prsa.org

PRSAY Helps Build Bridge

By Jonathan Kissell

In January, PRSA launched a new blog, PRSAY, to connect members with the PRSA leaders. We encourage you to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to engage in dialogue and offer perspective about integral aspects of your professional career. The first several posts came from PRSA Chair and CEO Michael Cherenson, APR, making him available to listen to your comments and suggestions.

PRSAY is one of the many valuable components of a PRSA membership. Please take a moment to check it out at www.prsay.prsa.org.

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Accreditation Corner

Read more about accreditation on the PRSA National Web site, www.praccreditation.org .

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Diversity Section

If you are interested in participating in PRSAs Diversity efforts please contact Dawn Woods, APR at 513-551-1474 or dpwoods@health-partners.org.

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Media Day

Pictures from 2009 Media Day

(Thanks to Rob Pasquinucci, APR for pictures)

See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/10145351@N00/sets/72157622795196970/

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Mentorship Program

Introducing Cincinnati PRSA’s Mentorship Program

By Darcy Little

As you know, mentoring relationships have proven to be vital tools for students.  In no other way can they receive the one-on-one, interactive level of education that a relationship with a mentor can offer.  It’s a dose of real-world experience that no classroom can fully provide.

The PRSSA chapter of the University of Cincinnati is hoping to pair some of its best and brightest seniors with members from our own Cincinnati PRSA chapter in mentoring relationships.  As a mentor, you can offer career guidance, give writing tips, help expand your student’s network and so much more.

You and your student will decide how much time to invest in the relationship as well as how you will specifically interact with each other.  Essentially, these students want to learn from real professionals – in the real PR field - and any amount of time that you’re able to dedicate would be so very much appreciated by them.  It is the students’ responsibility to initiate and maintain their relationship with you.

The 2009-2010 UC PRSSA/ Cincinnati PRSA mentorship program will formally last from mid-January until mid-June 2010 when the UC academic year ends.  We’ll hold a kick-off mixer the week of January 18 (details TBD) so that you can meet your student.

If you’d like to serve as a mentor to a UC PRSSA senior from January through June, please e-mail Darcy Little at dlittle@sunriseadvertising.com and indicate your name, title and company.  Please also indicate if you would be willing to serve as a mentor to more than one student, and if so, how many.  Please contact Darcy by Friday, December 4, with your willingness to serve as a mentor.  We will begin pairing students and professionals at that point and will notify you of your student well ahead of the mid-January mixer.

Thank you for your consideration!

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New Members

NEW:

Jill Cahill

Director, Marketing

St. Ursula Academy

1339 E McMillan St

Cincinnati, OH  45206

513-961-3410 ext. 138

jcahill@saintursula.org

Danny Cohn

Director of Public Relations

Strata-G Communications

830 Main St, 10th Floor

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-381-8855

danny.cohn@strata-g.com

Carl A. Enslen

Regional Liaison

Ohio Auditor of State

PO Box 259

Mason, OH  45040

513-673-4242

caenslen@yahoo.com

Wendy A. Maxian

Assistant Professor

Xavier University

Communication Arts, ML 5171, 3800 Victory Pkwy

Cincinnati, OH  45207

513-745-3126

maxianw@xavier.edu

Mary Beth Puryear

Senior Consultant, Public Relations & Marketing

Drake Center

151 West Galbraith Rd

Cincinnati, OH  45247

513-418-2539

Mary_Beth_Puryear@Healthall.com

REINSTATED:

Zachary P. Hart

35 E. Lakeside Ave.

Lakeside Park, KY  41017

859-572-5573

hartz@nku.edu

Sallie L. Hilvers

Chief Administrative Officer

Metro

602 Main St, Ste 1100

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-632-7681

Rodger A. Pille

P R Mgr

Newport Aquarium

One Aquarium Way

Newport, KY  41071

859-815-1432

rpille@newportaquarium.com

Kristen Hall Wevers

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Messer Construction Company

5158 Fishwick Dr

Cincinnati, OH  45216

513-482-5369

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New Professionals

December Event

By Darcy Little

We’re teaming up with the Cincinnati AMA YPs once again for our last event of the year!  Enjoy networking with some of the new friends you made at the AMA/PRSA holiday luncheon at our happy hour event on Thursday, December 17.  Check your inbox in the coming weeks for more details!

Cincinnati PRSA encourages all event attendees to enjoy its social networking events responsibly.

Pictures from October Event w/ Katie Clavey

Katie Clavey on right in brown dress

Pictures from November Event at The National Underground Freedom Center

(w/ Paul Bernish & Jamie Brandt)

Jamie Brandt & Paul Bernish

Social Media

Follow Cincinnati’s PRSA New Pros on Twitter: @CinPRSANewPros!

Join our Facebook group, too (you must be in the Cincinnati FB network to have access): “PRSA New Professionals Cincinnati Chapter.”

Call for speakers

Would you be interested in sharing your experience with the PRSA New Pros?  We’d love to listen to your stories.  E-mail cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you’d like to be added to our speakers list!

Call for new members

If you’re a new or young professional, we’d be thrilled to have you at our events!  If you’d like to be added to the New Pros’ e-mail list, send a message to cincynewpros@yahoo.com.

2009 Cincinnati PRSA New Pros committee:

• Darcy Little, chair
• Lauren Boettcher
• Allison Brinkman
• Kristin Doidge
• Ashley Van Sickle
• Brandy Williams

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Job Bank

Cincinnati PRSA is a Job Search Resource

By Maureen Richmond

With Ohio’s unemployment rising to record levels, networking and the utilization of local resources is more important than ever. Don’t forget to add www.cincinnatiprsa.org to your bag of tricks. The Job Bank is regularly updated with new positions – including both full-time and internship opportunities.

In addition, consider emailing your resume to maureenrichmond@ymail.com for addition to our resume database. Employers routinely contact the Job Bank for resumes prior to posting the positions online.

Have you found your position through the Job Bank? Let us know. We’d love to feature your success story in a future issue of PR Visions. Email maureenrichmond@ymail.com with your success story today!

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Sponsorships

Is Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter the right platform to spread your message?

Just ask yourself two simple questions.

By Ashley Walters

• Do you want your message in the hands of 250 of the cities best and brightest PR professionals, decision makers and leading influencers?

• Does reaching 165 diverse organizations sound appealing?

If you answered yes to either of those questions then you are at the right place. Below are the exciting sponsorship opportunities available for Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter this year.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t worry. Give us a call and we will help create a specialized sponsorship package that meets your individual needs.

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Corporate Sponsor - $1,500 (August 2009 – July 2010)

• One ticket to every monthly luncheon - $230 value
• Right of first refusal for presenting sponsor at the Blacksmiths 2010
• Logo displayed on Cincinnati’s PRSA Web site for 12 months
• Logo on every postcard and meeting reminder
• One Program Sponsorship of your choice - $500 value (see Program Sponsor for more details)
• Five entries into our Sponsor Drawing (see Sponsor Drawing for more details)

NOTE: The corporate sponsor is an exclusive offering that will only include one company, agency or non-profit. It is on a first come, first served basis.

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Program Sponsors - $500 (maximum of two sponsors per month)

• Two tickets to program - $46 value
• 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
• One entry into our Sponsor Drawing

NOTE: This year we will be accepting up to two program sponsors. These sponsors cannot be competing businesses. It is on a first come, first served basis.

Additional Opportunities

In addition to our luncheon sponsorships, we have other opportunities such as media day, happy hours, New Professionals events, brown bag lunches and Blacksmith Awards. Specialized sponsorship packages can be designed based on your specific needs.

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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 2010.

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Sponsorships can be secured up to 12 months in advance. You can secure a date, a subject (e.g., ethics luncheon) or a specific speaker once known. Because of the increased demand this year, we recommend you secure your spot as soon as possible.

For more information on any of the above please contact Ashley Walters at awalters@northlich.com 513-762-1783. We are excited to have you be a part of Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter.

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Volunteer Bank

Seeking Grant Writer

By Louise Hoelker

A local private high school is looking for a grant writer to introduce us to the grant writing process, so that we can incorporate into long range planning. Call or email Louise Hoelker at (513) 872-6059 or lhoelker@shrinenet.org

Acclaim Seeking PR Chair

Acclaim is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to build local theatre audiences by identifying, celebrating, and inspiring excellence in Cincinnati non-profit theatre. In addition to the Acclaim Awards that highlight the best accomplishments in each Cincinnati theatre season, Acclaim offers a series of grants to support local theatre artists in their artistic growth, and to reward the work of outstanding local theatre educators and students.

Acclaim needs a seasoned PR professional to serve as the PR chair to help us inform and engage the community as partners in this mission. Duties include: supervising the PR committee; promoting Acclaim and its programs nationally and locally; overseeing social networking for Acclaim; and working closely with special events and Award Event committees.

Time commitment: about an hour a week, plus a monthly meeting of the Acclaim Executive Committee.

We are looking for enthusiasm and creative ideas from someone who previously (or currently) has experience leading PR campaigns. We welcome your expertise and your leadership in this position.

Contact Kate Spencer at (513) 541-6306 or at kspencer1@zoomtown.com to learn more about the position and application process.

American Cancer Society Seeking

PR Volunteers for

Cincinnati’s 2010 Cattle Baron's Ball

The Cattle Baron’s Ball in Cincinnati is an evening filled with non-stop action and unlimited amounts of western themed fun! Aside from great food, networking and fun entertainment, you will be raising funds to help support the patients and families who use our services. The American Cancer Society funded approximately $16 million in research funding in Ohio in 2007. In every county, it offers patient navigators to help patients navigate their cancer journey. The Society’s service programs such as Man to Man, Reach to Recovery and Look Good…Feel Better, help survivors build a network of support during and after treatment.

In 1973, the first Cattle Baron's Ball (CBB) was held at the Toddie Lee Wynne ranch in Kaufman, Texas to benefit the American Cancer Society. And since Texans do everything big, it eventually became “THE” event to attend, raising over $1 million each year. The Cattle Baron's Ball was even used as a gala that “J.R. Ewing” and other cast members attended in the very popular evening soap opera, Dallas.

Please visit for more details

UCAN Needs PR Volunteer

By Ann Keeling

UCAN is in need of a public relations professional who could volunteer his/her time ongoing (either as a member of the marketing committee or as a board member).  

The ideal candidate would have 3-5+ years of experience in public relations, specifically on the media relations side, and have solid contacts with local media (local meaning Greater Cincinnati and surrounding counties in Ohio, KY & Indiana), and have a passion for animals.  

The estimated time commitment would be 3-7 hours per month, depending on the needs of the organization, and whether or not this is a committee role or a board role.  

Interested candidates should contact Ann Hill, UCAN Executive Director at 513-762-0130 or arhill@ucancincinnati.org

Nonprofit for Elderly Needs Your Help!

Healthcare communications/marketing

By Nancy Lyons

PHC Foundation seeking PR help.  We want to get the word out to Cincinnati’s philanthropic community that there is an organization serving a seemingly forgotten generation right here at home. 

The PHC Foundation is a leader in providing home health care for low-income seniors in western Hamilton County.  PHC Foundation is the only independent (not affiliated with, nor supported by any national agency or charity), nonprofit home health care agency in western Hamilton County providing home health, personal care and homemaking services.

Certified Nurse’s Aides and Home Health Aides assist older adults with meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry, bathing, light housekeeping and companionship - under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse - in the privacy of their own homes.         

PHC Foundation’s clients are the poor, needy and elderly (at least 60 years of age) residents of western Hamilton County.  We serve an average of 65 seniors per year. 

Those who need our services are physically unable to perform everyday tasks without help.  Activities we take for granted every single day are simply unattainable for many older adults.

Any help with publicity, communications, writing, web, special events, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

We’re just trying to make a difference in our community and let people know that we’re out here.  Cincinnati’s elderly community will benefit by us reaching potential board members, volunteers and donors. For more information www.privatehcfoundation.org

Contact Information:

Nancy Lyons

Development Director

PHC Foundation

Nancy@privatehcfoundation.org

513-662-8999

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College View

University of Cincinnati PRSSA:

CONTACT: Sarah Starcher/Matt Stephens-Rich

Phone #: 740-814-0836/419-239-3424

ucprssa@gmail.com

Grub and Gear Campaign aims to Help during the Holidays

Contact: Matt Stephens-Rich

As the holiday season approaches, the University of Cincinnati’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter wanted to give back to the local community.  The chapter decided its efforts would be best put to use through a holiday-drive campaign, Grub and Gear for Holiday Cheer.  Members will ask different university groups for gently used clothing and food donations.  All proceeds will go to the Freestore Food Bank and Lighthouse Youth Services program.  Though the campaign is just starting, many groups have already expressed interest in participating.

“The holiday season is about showing care for others and helping those in need,” said Sarah Starcher, the campaign’s director.  “Many forget those concepts as we hurry to purchase presents, hang decorations, and prepare holiday meals.  With ever growing unemployment rates, we must remember those who are less fortunate.   We have the opportunity to help many families with this campaign.”

Grub and Gear for Holiday Cheer will run over the next few weeks into late November/early December.  “Every little bit helps,” says Starcher.  “Donation a great way to give back to the community.  UC PRSSA is excited about this campaign and what it will provide to the less fortunate in Cincinnati.”

The University of Cincinnati chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America received its charter in 2005 and has nearly 75 members.  The student-run organization strives to apply classroom knowledge to real life campaigns.  Feel free to contact the chapter at ucprssa@gmail.com.

Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa

PR Hopes for America's Trust with Transparency Use

By Rachel Peterson

In light of the economy, trust in corporate America is in short supply. Although this may be a minor problem, the consequences, if continued, could be dire. That is where the field of public relations takes on its most important role: restoring faith in businesses. Transparency in PR is more important than ever.

Transparency implies heightened honesty with the public in terms of information about companies in which they are invested or have interest. The idea is not a new one, and in fact has been on the rise for several years. However, there is now more pressure than ever on public relations to give in and become ‘transparent’. But is this idea a good one? With more information that may or may not be positive, will it cause the public to worry?

Judy Phair, former president of PRSA and current PR professional for higher education, supports the transparency movement. In her presentation to the Miami University PRSSA chapter on October 26, Phair said that there is a definite lack of trust in CEOs at this time, and a lack of authenticity is to blame.

What is the solution? Public relations must start giving people the information they need to put their minds at ease. If ever there was a time to explore new ideas and opportunities in the business world, this is it.

Because the traditional strategies of winning over the public and gaining (more importantly keeping) clientele no longer work as well as they used to, many corporations are reaching a point of desperation to keep revenue flowing.

The idea of transparency is now pulling in a larger following. Companies understand that if they begin early with transparent operating, they will be seen as open and willing to share with the public.

In other words: reputation, reputation, reputation. Also, just as with any new, and most likely lasting, trend in business, those who are first to hop on the bandwagon will have a much higher level of credibility than those who lag behind. This is simply because those who do not take advantage of transparency in the beginning will appear to have only done so later because they watched it succeed for other companies. Therefore, the public may not perceive them to be trustworthy.

So how will this change the field of public relations? “The challenge has increased in certain ways. There is more scrutiny on executive compensation, and the public is asking more detailed questions about asset safety,” said Lindsay Tiles, director of corporate public relations at Charles Schwab, one of the nation’s leading financial service firms.

“People aren’t taking for granted anymore that their assets are safe, and there are a lot more questions from corporations about how to make money,” she said.

However, while there are several new challenges to deal with, the adjustment to a transparent mindset is not difficult for all companies.

“There are a lot of people and companies who’ve always felt this way [that transparency is a good policy], so for a lot of us nothing philosophically has changed, and we feel the public has a right to know this information. We’re on the front lines,” said Tiles.

The idea also presents an entirely new field of landmines for the average PR professional. The bad news must still be delivered to the public. “There are certain numbers that we are legally required to give. And there is always a desire to talk about numbers when they’re good and not when they’re bad, so before giving out a good number that isn’t required to give, I have to ask, will I be willing to share this number when it’s bad as well? Is it worth it?” said Tiles.

Mark Hannah, the public relations correspondent for MediaShift, tells clients that you should not say or write anything that you wouldn’t want to turn up in Google search results. He says that in our Internet age, it’s simple for consumers to read product reviews and research companies online. He also doesn’t find it ironic that as the rules of journalism are changing, companies are placing a new emphasis on transparency.

“The concept is suffering from inflation as too many companies claim ‘transparency’ as part of their identity without really walking the talk,” Hannah says.

Transparency will undoubtedly force those in the field of public relations to get creative. It will certainly be a challenge, but one that will pay off equally in reward as the average citizen begins to trust corporate America again.  

Northern Kentucky University:

www.nkuprssa.org

Xavier University PRSSA:

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Visions Viewpoint

New PR Certificate Program at Clarion University

By Dr. Andrew Lingwall
Associate Professor
Department of Communication
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
(814) 393-1882

Greetings from Clarion University! This is Andy Lingwall. I am a professor of public relations at Clarion, and I serve on PRSA-Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors.

This spring, the university is kicking off a new Online Graduate Certificate in Public Relations. It is a 15-credit program aimed at professionals, business owners, nonprofit managers and others who need to pick up new credentials or gain fresh perspectives on the theories and skills behind the discipline.

Graduates may also apply all 15 certificate credits toward the Master of Science degree in Mass Media Arts and Journalism at Clarion University. 

CLICK HERE for a copy of the program brochure for your reference.

Financial aid is available for this program. Anyone interested can call 1-866-272-5612, send e-mail to virtualcampus@clarion.edu or go online at www.clarion.edu/virtualcampus/

Hoping To Inspire Good Things Going Around With New Blog

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

Pitch Guests & Topics to Business Focus

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.

This program continuing in 2009 … look for ID cards at a PRSA Luncheon

F.I.N.S. Program

(Flash ID –N- Save)

The F.I.N.S. program is designed to offer PRSA members an easy, short-step option toward purchasing tickets to the Newport Aquarium at a discount.

What is F.I.N.S.?  

F.I.N.S. is an acronym for “Flash ID -N- Save”.  When members come to the Newport Aquarium, have them show their organization’s ID badge at the ticket window.  The Newport Aquarium is able to provide preprinted cards with PRSA’s name on them to be distributed soon to members.  These cards will act as an ID badge.  The member and their guests will receive discounted ticket prices. (They must have their current, valid, organization ID to receive the discount.)  Showing their organization’s ID badge will provide a $2 discount for each adult and child ticket purchased and a $3 discount for every senior ticket purchased.  This discount will be taken off of the regular general admission price.

Some of the unique benefits of this program are:

• No out-of-pocket money needed prior to a visit.
• No worries about losing a paper ticket.
• Member discount applies every day of the year…. no expiration date.
• Discounts can be applied to every visit members make to the aquarium, as long as they show a current, valid, member ID badge at the ticket window.

The Newport Aquarium reserves the right to change the General Admission Price, and/or benefit(s) to the F.I.N.S. Program at any time during the Agreement. 

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Member/Agency/Company News

Strata-G has hired a new Public Relations Director, Danny Cohn.

Request for News!
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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PRSA National News (from www.prsa.org)

PRSA Assembly Overwhelmingly Adopts New Bylaws

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 7, 2009) — Delegates to the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Assembly overwhelmingly approved a new set of bylaws that strengthen the Society. New provisions were adopted that give the Nominating Committee greater flexibility in proposing candidates for board service, establish a “Leadership Assembly” to focus on issues of concern to the profession, and move the organization closer to the direct election of directors and officers for the National board.

The Assembly adopted the comprehensive slate of changes to PRSA’s bylaws, which become effective immediately, by a final tally of 264 to 20. In most cases, the revisions successfully attached amendments proposed by Assembly Delegates to the original changes suggested by the Bylaws Rewrite Task Force. These amendments were tendered in an iterative and collaborative process that took place over a six-month period leading up to Assembly, which included a series of Assembly Delegate communications, teleconferences and e-Group discussions.

“The Assembly Delegates acquitted themselves remarkably throughout this process, resolving extremely difficult issues in a way that was passionate, but also thoughtful, collegial and respectful,” says Michael G. Cherenson, APR, 2009 chair and CEO of PRSA. “While there is always a tendency is to look for winners and losers in a process such as this, I’m certain that those who were in the room today would all agree that it’s the future of PRSA that emerged on top.”

Under the newly approved bylaws, the Nominating Committee will now have the right to convert District-representative board seats to at-large board seats, in those cases when no candidates have been identified from within a particular District. This gives the committee greater flexibility to seat qualified individuals for board service, especially when multiple qualified candidates for a particular position exist.

Also, the nature and purpose of the Assembly is now transitioning from a purely deliberative body to a “Leadership Assembly” that focuses on issues of concern to the profession. Delegates will now identify and raise issues of importance for discussion by the Assembly and board of directors, while retaining their current legislative powers to approve Bylaws changes, Chapter dissolutions and dues structures.

While the Bylaws Task Force’s suggestion that PRSA members be given the power to directly elect the Society’s board of directors and officers was defeated, a resolution was adopted that directs the board of directors to develop specific rules, policies and procedures for handling direct elections. This paves the way for the Assembly to reconsider such a change to the bylaws in 2010, provided that a report on the policies and procedures for direct elections is made available to Delegates at least 90 days prior to the Assembly.

In other changes, the Assembly approved the participation of the president and chief operating officer of PRSA as a nonvoting, non-deliberating, ex-officio member of the National Nominating Committee, for the purpose of providing historical context to aid in the nominating process. The Assembly also adopted procedures to solicit and obtain greater input from the sitting board of directors on candidates for future board service; to allow directors and officers to run for multiple terms of office; and to require that individuals have previous experience on the PRSA Board of Directors, before being permitted to seek an officer position.

A change that now expressly permits proxy voting by Assembly Delegates and other PRSA members was also adopted, by a 204 to 41 margin, helping to guarantee member representation at the Assembly.

“The enthusiastic and positive atmosphere during the deliberative process was a shining moment for PRSA,” says Cherenson. “It not only demonstrated a tremendous level of cooperation among the PRSA Board, Chapters, Districts, Sections and other communities that comprise PRSA, but also showed strong respect for the diversity of thought, interests and opinions within our Society.”

PRSA Announces 2010 Board Officers, Directors

NEW YORK (Nov. 7, 2009) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) today, during its Assembly in San Diego, announced the election of its officers and directors for the Society’s 2010 Board of Directors. The annual meeting took place prior to the PRSA 2009 International Conference, “Delivering Value.”

Michael Cherenson, APR, 2009 PRSA chair and CEO, announced the new volunteer officers as follows: 2010 chair and CEO, Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, director, partnership development, HGTV, Scripps Networks, Knoxville, Tenn.; 2010 chair-elect, Rosanna Fiske, MS, APR, graduate coordinator and associate professor of public relations and advertising in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Florida International University (FIU); 2010 treasurer, Philip Tate, APR, senior vice president, Luquire George Andrews, Charlotte, N.C.; and 2010 secretary, Gerard Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and CEO, Redphlag LLC, San Bruno, Calif. Officers are elected for one-year terms.

"PRSA's team of volunteer and staff leaders are the engine that drives the Society and its work on behalf of the public relations profession, " said McCormick. "They bring a wealth of talent and experience that equips PRSA to deliver thought leadership, research and advocacy. Combined with powerful new tools such as PRSA's new, member-focused Web site and professional advocacy resources of The Business Case for Public RelationsTM campaign, we look forward to serving members next year with enhanced value and service to advance the profession and the professional to new levels of success."

Elected to two-year terms as directors are: Robert Frause, APR, Fellow PRSA, chairman and CEO, FRAUSE, Seattle; Mickey Nall, MA, APR, Fellow PRSA, managing director, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Atlanta; Blake Lewis, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal and senior consultant, Lewis Public Relations, Richardson, Texas; and Barbara “BJ” Whitman, MBA, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal, BJW Public Relations, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Continuing as directors in 2010 are: Catherine A. Huggins, APR, director of external communications and corporate affairs, Aviva USA, Des Moines, Iowa; Steven Lewis Grant, APR, senior manager, public relations, National Education Association, Washington, D.C.; Gail D. Liebl, APR, director, corporate communications, Travelers, St. Paul, Minn.; Gail A. Winslow-Pine, APR, director, marketing and corporate communications, Catholic Medical Center, Brentwood, N.H.; Kathy Nelson Barbour, APR, communications program manager, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla.; Lynn Appelbaum, APR, Fellow PRSA, associate professor of advertising/public relations, program director, The City College of New York, New York, N.Y.; Donald P. Kirchoffner, APR, Fellow PRSA, senior communications consultant, Don Kirchoffner Consulting, Broomfield, Colo.; and Deborah A. Silverman, Ph.D., APR, assistant professor of communication, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, N.Y.

Michael Cherenson, APR, will serve as 2010 immediate past chair. William M. Murray, CAE, PRSA president & chief operating officer, continues as an ex officio member of the board.

New National PRSA Web Site

On October 26th, PRSA officially unveiled its new Web site, which is something we've been looking forward to for more than a year now. Redesigned with the help of extensive input from our members, the new site is clean, modern and presents information in fresh and easily accessible ways.

When you visit the site, you'll now see information organized into three categories: Learning, where you can find information on our conferences, professional development opportunities and awards, as well as the Accredited in Public Relations program; Intelligence, which contains information on PRSA's Code of Ethics and advocacy and diversity efforts, and provides access to PRSA's publications, blogs and podcasts; and Network, a seamless gateway to our member directory, Districts, Chapters, Professional Interest Sections and other communities, as well as to the "Find a Firm" database and corporate partner showcase.

You'll also notice that the search functionality is enormously improved. Articles, white papers, case histories and other industry intelligence are now tagged by industry, practice specialty and business outcome, making it easier to find information germane to your specific needs. In addition, a Google Search Appliance enhances filtering within search results to return the most relevant resources from across the site. 

Finally, an exciting new feature, "MyPRSA," allows you to create your own user profile, set up contact lists and indicate preferences that will be used to deliver news and information that appeals to your individual expertise and interests. 

Over the next several weeks, we'll watch and listen as you and other members settle into the new site, and look to incorporate any further thoughts or suggestions that you may have. You may offer your feedback by completing our online survey, or by sending your comments to webredesign@prsa.org.

 
Sincerely, 

William M. Murray, CAE

President and Chief Operating Officer

The Business Case for Public Relations

PRSA is excited to announce the introduction of "The Business Case for Public RelationsTM," a PRSA-led advocacy campaign for the public relations industry. The Business Case is intended to foster more accurate and better-informed perceptions surrounding the value and roles of public relations.

The goal of the Business Case is to drive industry recognition and growth by helping professionals in the field educate key stakeholders about public relations' functions and outcomes, demonstrate its strategic value and enhance its reputation. It was created with the help of public relations industry leaders, including representatives of APCO Worldwide, Boston University College of Communication, Cooper-Katz, Edelman, GolinHarris, Hill & Knowlton, Ketchum, MWW Group and Wachovia.

A wide array of PRSA resources is now available under The Business Case for Public RelationsTM banner, including:

• Suggested message points to help you change entrenched attitudes and perceptions of public relations.
• Articles on communicating with clients or senior management about the value and benefits of public relations.
• A database of measurement resources, categorized by industry and practice area, that offers practical guidance for demonstrating the value of communications programs.
• Professional development opportunities align with topics and resources correlated to The Business Case.
• Silver Anvil Award case histories organized by industry and business outcome, so that you can find profiles of best-in-class public relations programs that have achieved measurable results similar to those that your clients or organizations may be pursuing.

We hope these tools and resources motivate and empower you to serve as a catalyst for reshaping internal and external perceptions of our profession. Use them to demonstrate public relations' value to your fellow practitioners, clients, management and other key constituencies. You may also use this information to:

• Dispel the measurability myth.
• Advocate for ethical conduct.
• Discourage the use of pejoratives.
• Organize editorial board meeting with your local media.
• Pitch new business or campaign for larger budgets.
• Educate your clients or key influencers within your organization about the critical business outcomes that public relations is capable of driving.
• Prepare blog posts, op-ed pieces and white papers.
• Organize lunch and learn sessions.
• Reach out to local government representatives.
• Garner recognition for outstanding programs.
• Demonstrate the greater public good served by the profession, especially on pressing social issues such as cancer awareness and prevention, drunk driving, obesity and smoking.

Please log on today to learn more about "The Business Case for Public Relations." Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome at businesscase@prsa.org.

Sincerely,

Michael Cherenson, APR
PRSA Chair & CEO

Hardship Plan for PRSA Members

PRSA is pleased to offer a financial hardship plan to our members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. The plan will be launched April 1. The terms of the plan are stated below.

1. The financial Hardship Plan is available to anyone who has been a member of PRSA for a total of five or more years and is unemployed, and who is currently up for renewal of his/her membership (has received one or more invoices).

a. Those working part time — regardless of whether or not they are practicing public relations — are not eligible.

b. Members who recently lapsed and who meet these criteria may apply for the plan.

c. Members who recently renewed at the full dues rate and who meet these criteria may request a refund of $110; the amount of the hardship credit.

2. Temporarily disabled members, including those on maternity leave, also are eligible for the plan provided they meet the terms of service stated above.

3. The hardship dues rate for regular National members is $115, a savings of $110 from the full dues of $225. Some Chapters also have reduced their dues as part of this plan; ask us about your Chapter. Professional Interest Sections and Fellows dues have NOT been reduced.

4. The hardship dues must be paid in full. The hardship rate cannot be combined with the Quarterly Payment Program.

5. This is a one time offer of one year duration — in other words, an individual may only apply to have their dues reduced under the hardship program once over their lifetime.

6. Members who renew with the hardship plan will still receive all PRSA member benefits.

7. To apply for the hardship program, members must complete and sign a short application on which they attest that they are unemployed or temporarily disabled and must submit any applicable dues.

Members wishing to take advantage of the hardship plan should notify a Member Services representative at membership@prsa.org or (212) 460-1400. Member Services will send the member a short application which states the terms of the plan, asks the member to indicate whether they are unemployed or temporarily disabled, and asks them to sign it. Members may pay the adjusted dues by mail, fax or phone. They cannot renew online if they are opting for the hardship plan. The member’s renewal will be processed once the application and the renewal have been received at PRSA National.

Mail: PRSA, Member Services Dept., 33 Maiden Lane 11th Fl., New York, NY 10038-5150    Fax: (212) 995-0757

PRSA's Jobcenter Launches New Job Mentoring Program Providing Expert Career Advice for Public Relations and Communications Professionals

Participants Receive Career Advice, Resume-Writing Tips and Interview Coaching From PRSA's Accredited Experts

NEW YORK (March 9, 2009) — Professionals using the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Jobcenter will now find the site easier and more functional when searching for communications and public relations jobs. PRSA recently added “Job Mentor” and “Ask the Experts” (courtesy of College of Fellows) programs to the Career Resources portion of Jobcenter, making it a fully featured career resource site that offers more information and easy-to-use functionalities for job seekers and employers.

Jobcenter provides job seekers access to free advice from a job mentor who is a career expert in resume writing, interviewing techniques and building networks. Job seekers also can access the “Ask the Experts,” which allows them to pose questions regarding what to say and not say in interviews, how to respond to salary requirement queries, what to do if submitting resumes but not getting interviews, and much more.

“These two newly launched Jobcenter programs give job seekers the edge they need in today’s market,” said PRSA President and COO William Murray. “The PRSA Jobcenter provides career development tools and expert advice to aid job seekers in securing their first job, advancing in their field or transitioning into the public relations and communications industry.”

PRSA also continues to engage 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 Internet.

Attention PRSA Members: Take Advantage of Preferred Insurance Rates
New Insurance Offerings for Members and Chapters Now Available

NEW YORK (Feb. 18, 2009) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announces a new member benefit that allows you to get the insurance coverage you need for you, your family and your business at preferred rates. The new program includes health, dental and life insurance for members or their families, and general liability, directors and officers, and errors and omissions insurance for your business. The general liability insurance also is available to Chapters for special events.

“PRSA is pleased to extend the insurance benefits program, which members may find cost-effective for their families and businesses,” said William Murray, PRSA president & COO.  “We’ve made this available as a pass-through benefit for our members — so they’ll be getting the best deal the broker has available, with PRSA having no financial stake in the transaction.”

This new program replaces insurance programs previously available to PRSA members and Chapters. Members receive preferred rates through PRSA's insurance broker. Below is a sampling of products offered to members:

• Health Insurance — covers medical and hospital expenses for individuals and organizations. Plans vary by state.
• Dental — covers treatments and services, including orthodontics. Plans are available to corporations, individuals and their families.
• Business Office Insurance — covers against “all risks” to the contents of your office, extra expenses incurred if you are unable to use your office space, as well as General Liability/Special Event Liability. Limits available up to $5 million.
• Public Relations Professional Liability — protects your business from lawsuits against an error of omission. Limits available up to $5 million.
• Cyber/Internet Liability — protects your intellectual property if your laptop computer is lost or stolen.

For more information, log in to MemberNet and click on Member Benefits.

Search Thousands of Public Relations Jobs for Communications Professionals on PRSA’s Updated Jobcenter
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.

Make a Difference - PRSA is Seeking Volunteers!

(found in March 2007 PRVisions)

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National PRSA Calendar of Events (from www.prsa.org)

Due to new web site – the calendar also has a new look:

Categories: APR, Communications Planning & Measurement, International Conference, Management & Leadership, Media Relations, Meetings, Networking, Relationship & Reputation, Social Media & Emerging Trends and Techniques & Tactics

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Past PRVisions Issues

October 2009

September 2009

August 2009

July 2009

June 2009

May 2009

April 2009

March 2009

February 2009

January 2009

December 2008

November 2008

October 2008

September 2008

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