OCTOBER 2007


**please use the navigation on the side to read through the newsletter**
Sponsored by:
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President's Letter

Mark Your Calendar - September 7

2010 Cincinnati PRSA Media Day

Big Names Coming to Cincinnati's Digital Non-Conference

Enter Blacksmiths - it's easier this year - really!

Don't turn off that smart phone!

Featured Follower

New Member Welcome

August Luncheon Highlights - Video and Photos

UC PRSSA Continues to Make us Proud

Volunteer Bank

PRSA National News

Past PRVisions Issues

OTHER INFO:

Job Bank (Postings)

Interested in Joining PRSA

Update Your Contact Information

Contact Us

 

 
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Welcome to PRVisions Cincinnati Chapter Newsletter.

Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news on the local front (including an important update on The Blacksmith Awards, a new Mentoring Program that is being launched right before our November luncheon and pictures from Media Day), new articles from PRSSA chapters from Miami University, Northern Kentucky University & Xavier University, a workshop offered by the Bluegrass Chapter, the national PRSA front (including information about the upcoming PRSA National Conference and 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

Comments & Pictures are Welcomed

By Shasta Taber

Dear Members:

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.

Shasta Taber

Newsletter Editor

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President's Letter

Successful Media Day

By Lisa Doxsee, APR

Here we are, on the verge of November and it has been a great year. BUT there’s more to come! We had our most successful media day event to date with new features like round tables with members of the media. It was great to be able to speak with members of the media on a more personal level.

If you attended the happy hour after media day you may have also had the privilege to meet Mrs. Marjorie Parham one of the original founders of the Cincinnati Herald, founded more than 50 years ago! What a great legacy she has given to our city. In addition, Jim Tarbell’s “Toast to the Post” was a great tribute to the journalism the Cincinnati Post has provided the region over the years. It was great to see the reporters, editors and photographers I’ve worked with over the past few years and thank them for a job well done.

A toast to the Post

 

Media day was truly a success on any number of levels. A huge thank you goes to Jackie Reau and her committee for building one of our chapter’s standard programs into a “must attend” event.

 

Blacksmith Awards Changes

By Lisa Doxsee, APR

Many of you are planning to enter the Blacksmith Awards and due to unforeseen circumstances we have postponed the Awards dinner to Thursday, January 24. This will allow us to kick off the new year celebrating the success of 2007. What this means is you have an extra few weeks to get those entries finalized!! Make sure you download the call for entries and get your entry in by November 5. This is our chance to showcase the top public relations work in this region.

Yes, we want to make the awards bigger and better than ever, and the only way to really do that is to feature the best of the work performed around the city! The event is still planned at the Contemporary Arts Center and will be a great place for us to celebrate our success and embark on the coming year.

So as we hit the home stretch, I want to thank all of the individuals who have really stepped it up this year to bring Cincinnati PRSA members and visitors great programming and fun events.

Watch the Blacksmiths on YouTube

 

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Mark Your Calendar

Meetings and Events

November 13 - Monthly Luncheon

 

Communicating Through Crisis

Comair's Top 10 Crisis Communication Lessons

While trained and ready, the moment you receive the first phone call in a crisis is the start of a tremendous personal and professional test.

Few communications professionals have seen the scope of crisis and intense public glare as those at Comair. A sample of recent challenges includes a fatal commercial airline crash in 2006, strike threats by labor during bankruptcy restructuring in 2005 and 2006, and a shutdown of the airline during the 2004 holiday season.

Sharing lessons learned over the years will be Comair's Director of
Corporate Communications and Marketing, Tressie Long. Tressie has led the communications team through these and other challenges since joining the team in 2002. She has a decade of public relations experience, including serving as the spokesperson and media relations manager at Cincinnati Bell and DNA Diagnostics Center prior to heading communications at Comair.

Joining her to take questions will be key members of her team Christine Wever and Kate Marx. Christine has 15 years of corporate communications experience with a focus on internal, electronic and executive communications. Her experience includes work in health care, telecommunications, financial services and aviation. Kate is Comair's spokesperson and joined the airline in 2004 after serving as a marketing communications manager for a local museum. She has also worked for a telecommunications company and weekly newspaper.

 

Sponsored by:

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Place:

The Madison, 700 Madison Ave, Covington, KY

Driving/Parking Directions

Time:

11:30 a.m. Checkin and Networking

12:00 p.m. Lunch and Program

Cost:

$23 for Cincinnati Chapter PRSA Members

$28 for non-members and guests

$18 for PRSSA members

Payment is due by the day of the event.  Checks and cash are the preferred methods of payment.  However, we do accept MasterCard and Visa.  To prepay by check please mail to PRSA Cincinnati Chapter, PO Box 43242, Cincinnati, OH  45243.

RSVP:

By NOON on Wednesday, November 7.

Reservations may be made one of two ways:

1) Leave a message on our chapter voice mail, 513-792-0402
2) Send an email to our Chapter Administrator, acampbell@fuse.net

Reservations are required.  We cannot guarantee we will have space for walkins.

Diet: Please let us know when you place your reservation if you would like to request a vegetarian meal.  All meals must be preordered and the location cannot guarantee substitutions can be made on site without prior request.
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.

Mentoring Program Kicks Off Nov. 13
By Joe Feiertag, APR

What:   Mentoring by veteran PR practitioners

When:  11–Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 13

Where: Madison Event Center in Covington

Cincy PRSA will kick off a new mentoring program on Nov. 13 that will match less experienced members with veteran PR practitioners free of charge.

The mentoring sessions will take place prior to the chapter's luncheon at the Madison in Covington. Any current Cincinnati Chapter PRSA member can reserve a private half-hour session between 11 a.m. and noon.

Our local chapter is fortunate that several members belong to the College of Fellows. This is a distinguished group of accredited members who have worked more than 20 years in PR. Several have agreed to volunteer their time to:

• Discuss issues related to public relations practice

• Offer a fresh perspective on seemingly daunting issues

• Make creative, yet proven suggestions for handling PR challenges

• Offer encouragement and assurance

If you are a current member and would be interested in sitting down with a mentor free-of-charge and in complete confidentiality, e-mail FlyCinci@aol.com. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early.

The Madison Event Center is located at 700 Madison Avenue in Covington. Ample complimentary parking is available in the Madison’s own lot as well as in the public garage just across the street.

 

January 24, 2008 - Blacksmith Awards

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

 

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Accreditation Corner

New E-mail Address, APR?  Let Us Know!

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!

 

APR Wish List: Meeting Room Space for Spring/Summer 2008…

By Connie Kolita, APR

Hi All … well, “they” say you can’t get what you want unless you ask … so I’m asking … I am in need of meeting room options for our spring/summer 2008 APR review course. As the individual who oversees this typically 10-week (once a week) evening course, my “wish list” includes space that is close to downtown, has (preferably free) parking, and may even be dog friendly a few times. The room should be able to accommodate, say, a dozen people, and I anticipate we’ll begin the class in late April. If you have ideas, please e-mail me. Thanks so much in advance… Connie K.  p.s. If you are interested in taking our next review course, feel free to e-mail me also and I will put you on my list!  Thanks.

 

Calling Current Chapter APRs: Readiness Review Help Needed

(from March 2007 PRVisions)


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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Blacksmith Awards

Deadline Extended for Blacksmith Award Entries

Blacksmith Award entries are now due by Monday, November 5.  To be eligible, part of the campaign or tactic must have been completed either during the last half of 2006 or anytime prior to the 2007 entry deadline.

Award categories include: Community Relations, Institutional Relations, Events and Observances, Public Service, Internal Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing - Consumer Related, Marketing - Business to Business, Crisis Communications and Integrated Communications.

We are also accepting nominations for Outstanding Professionals.  Categories include: Professional of the Year and Rookie of the Year

Awards will be presented at the Blacksmith Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at The Contemporary Arts Center in downtown Cincinnati.  Award entry forms can be downloaded at

http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/blacksmith/index.php

Call for Entries - part 1

Call for Entries - part 2

Not sure what to enter? We’re providing video footage from a (really) bad brainstorm session to provide inspiration on what NOT to enter.

Special thanks to chapter member Kristan Getsy of Lifeseyes Media

[ http://www.lifeseyesmedia.com ] for making this video possible.

Be sure to check out the video and download the call for entries for more details.  More details available at http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/blacksmith/index.php

 

How to Win a Blacksmith Award

By Kevin Dugan, APR

Everyone reading this should consider entering the 2007 Blacksmith awards. There are more than 20 different categories for campaigns and tactics. The call for entries goes out in August, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about your entry now.

What makes work award-winning? Campaigns are judged for research, planning, execution and results while tactics are evaluated against project objectives, budget, design and results.

The entry is simple to prepare, but extremely important. Great work can go unnoticed due to a poorly-written entry while a concise entry can help secure some hardware.  With this in mind, here are seven lucky tips to remember as you prepare your entry.

1) Consider it your resume.  Give the entry the same time, thought and attention you give your resume. Review every line. Proofread it. Proofread it again. Have someone unfamiliar with the project read the entry. This helps identify questions you leave unanswered or areas where you may need to clarify points you’re making.

2) Follow directions.  It sounds obvious, I know. But after judging dozens of entries from other chapter award competitions, it bears restating. Many entries ignore directions and their scores reflect it. If you’re told you’ll be judged on measurable objectives, include some in your entry.

3) Tell us about the audience.  The audience is critical to every plan, but it’s not always requested in an entry. You’re immersed in the work so the audience is obvious to you. But you should always quickly define the target audience early in the entry to set the stage.

4) Add sizzle and steak.  There are usually portions of a project that stand out and drive you to enter them into award competitions in the first place. Just remember that standout portions of a project will not carry your whole entry. Make sure each part of your entry is as strong as possible.

5) Revisit research.  Sometimes we only consider including primary research when pulling entries together. Include all primary and secondary research that fueled your planning. And include a copy of this research in the appendix.

6) Remember the appendix.  Get full credit for all the work you’ve done. Include samples of research, results and other relevant information. Merchandise how thorough you were in planning, execution and evaluation.

7) End on a high note.  Despite their restrictive format, award entries should tell a story. Too many entries simply end. Consider how the entry title, project objective and a one-sentence summary of the project's success work together. The last thing the judges read should influence a positive evaluation.

Putting entry binders together is hard work and the entry fees add up quickly. Applying these tips will help ensure the investment of time and money pays off. If your campaign or tactic has been completed within the last half of 2006 or prior to the October 2007 entry deadline, enter the Blacksmith awards.  For more information, contact me at kdugan@frch.com.

 

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Community Service Project

Community Service Update

By Megan Licursi

This year, we’ve selected to work with the American Red Cross and its Power of Two program. 

The program's moniker, "Power of Two," refers to the time someone might dedicate to volunteering to the American Red Cross -- two hours (writing news releases, for example); two days (handling media at a local disaster); two weeks (providing media relations for a large disaster anywhere in the United States) or twice a year. The Power of Two offers volunteers flexibility in determining how and for how long they will volunteer. Under the program, volunteers also receive training on fulfilling their roles as Red Cross media representatives.

Click here to see a copy of the flyer that was shared at the July Happy Hour.

Should you have any questions and/or would like to volunteer, please contact Megan Licursi at megan@licursi.net.

Thanks!

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Ethics Brief

Overview of Ethics Luncheon

By Debbie D. Copeland-Bloom, APR

Rich Schuster, lawyer and sociologist, was the chapter’s speaker in September (PRSA’s “ethics month”). Rich’s talk was focused on some of the forces that can affect whether we—or our clients or co-workers—walk the ethical high road. Below are some of the forces Rich identified that can impact behavior:

  • Dishonesty may be learned early—studies show that cheating is common in education: 70 percent of American high school seniors admit to cheating on at least one test, and of those, 95 percent said they were never caught. A study conducted by David Callahan found that students who cheated in school were more likely to engage in dishonest behavior on the job.
  • We avoid exposure—most folks don’t want to be exposed as unscrupulous. According to Leonard Brooks, forensic accountants use this rule of thumb:
    • 20 percent of workers won’t steal even if they have the chance
    • 60 percent will steal if they don’t think they’ll get caught

While someone may agonize the first time he or she crosses an ethical line, subsequent unethical actions become much easier.

  • Ethics is situational—only with all the facts can we determine if an act is ethical or unethical. For example, when one person shoots another, it’s an unethical act. What if we learn that the person who was killed was a suicide bomber intent on killing dozens of people when the shooting occurred? This is an extreme example, but it shows that ethics are situational—we must constantly evaluate if actions are right or wrong.
  • “Everyone’s doing it” mentality—we like things to be fair; in fact, most people believe in a “norm of fairness.” When we see competitors or others cheating and getting away with it, the norm starts breaking down. In time, unethical behavior can be seen as acceptable.
  • Culture drives behavior—Organizations’ cultures are set by leaders, driven by the processes and policies they follow. An example of this is illustrated by Enron. Every year, Enron employees whose performance was rated in the bottom 15 percent were let go. This “rank and yank” process created an atmosphere of ethical and economic brutality. Workers knew they had to achieve their numbers—any way possible. 

In addition to the forces identified above, PR practitioners face a couple more:

  • Hugh Gutz, Rutz School of Management, suggests that the closer one is to the center of power in an organization, the more one is willing to do whatever is “good for the company.” As strategic counselors, PR practitioners often work closely with CEOs and senior leaders.
  • We are often dependent on others for the information we share, and we are not always able to confirm the accuracy of that information. 

In closing, Rich offered these recommendations:

  • Set your moral compass. What lines will you not cross—ever?
    • If possible, set your moral compass before entering the corporate world.
    • Constantly check what you are doing against your moral compass.
  • Be courageous. It’s not always easy doing the right thing.
  • Find managers, co-workers and/or mentors who share your high ethical standards and can provide you with support.

This year, at each month’s PRSA meeting, a drawing will be held for an excellent addition to the PR practitioner’s library: Legal and Ethical Restraints on Public Relations by Karla Gower. The book’s first chapter focuses on ethics models, codes and guidelines. The rest of the book concerns legal issues, such as corporate and commercial speech, intellectual property and government relations.

Whether you’re studying for the APR or need to revisit the ins and outs of trademarks, this concise reference has the information you’re looking for.

 

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Independent Practitioners

Business Strategist & PR Guru Pamela Gilchrist

Leading Two Workshops at IABC 2007 Heritage Regional Conference

Contact:  Stephanie Meyer, smeyer@pr-link.com

Cincinnati, Ohio – July 24, 2007 – Are you thinking of becoming an independent contractor? Having trouble gaining attention from the C suite? Come to the IABC 2007 Heritage Regional Conference, October 14-16, and let Pam Gilchrist fix your woes.

Pam will lead two workshops. The first workshop is Session M7: Independent Contractor Shop Talk: How To Run Your Business More Smoothly on Monday October 15 from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m.  The second workshop is Session T4: Behavior in the Workplace: Why People Click Or Conflict – And What You Can Do About It on Tuesday, October 16 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.

“The IABC 2007 Heritage Regional Conference has a great line-up of speakers this year,” said Pam Gilchrist, president of PR~Link. “I am looking forward to learning from my fellow business communicators, as well as passing on information I’ve learned.”

Session M7: Independent Contractor Shop Talk: How To Run Your Business More Smoothly lifts the hood and looks at the greasy engine of running your own business. If you want your business to purr like a kitten, Gilchrist, who has worked as an independent contractor since 1999, will share best practices and moderate an exciting idea sharing session. Learn how to:

  • Work “on your business” as well as “in your business”
  • Move from “freelancer” status to building a small firm
  • Get and keep clients
  • Develop and stick with a business model
  • Know why it’s OK to just say no
  • Manage scope creep
  • Cry for help with office tasks

Session T4: Behavior in the Workplace: Why People Click Or Conflict – And What You Can Do About It will discuss what makes people tick. Ever wonder why you can’t get along with the lemming in the next cubicle or how to gain greater respect from the C-Suite? A Certified Personality Trainer, Gilchrist will share nine universal personality types and explain why they click or conflict in the workplace. By understanding underlying needs that drive behavior, communicators can more quickly reduce conflict and gain buy-in.

  • Identify why some C-level execs want a 20 page proposal and why others will only read two
  • Learn to spot correctors, pleasers, competitors, bullies and more
  • Take home strategies you can immediately employ to improve your communication effectiveness in the workplace

The IABC 2007 Heritage Region Conference will take place on October 14-16, 2007 at the Embassy Suites RiverCenter in Covington, KY. For more information or to register go to: http://www.iabcheritageregion.com/conference2007

If you are interested in information about the Independent Practitioners of Cincinnati PRSA please contact:

Pam Gilchrist, APR

PR~Link Public Relations

(859) 431-9090

pgilchrist@pr-link.com

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Media Day


Mentoring Program

If interested in information about the mentoring program; either becoming a mentor or being matched up with a mentor please contact:

Pam Gilchrist, APR

PR~Link Public Relations

(859) 431-9090

pgilchrist@pr-link.com

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New Members

NEW:

Penny Lynn Hedrick

Com Recruiter

Hamilton County Job & Family Services

222 E Central Pkwy

Cincinnati, OH  45211

513-946-7584

hedrip@jfs.hamilton-co.org

Julie Metzelaar

Acct Exec

Mahan Advertising Inc.

816 Delta Ave

Cincinnati, OH  45226

513-321-6632

julie@mahanadvertising.com

Lauren Sorrows

Asst Acct Exec

Wordsworth Communications

6875 Eldorado Dr

Liberty Twp, OH  45044

513-460-5648

lsorrows@wordsworthweb.com  

Laura B. Van Houten

P R Spec

Hamilton County Dept of Job & Family Services

222 E Central Pkwy

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-946-2194

vanhol@jfs.hamilton-co.org

Jayne L. Walker

Mktg Dir

Beacon Orthopedics

500 E Business Way

Cincinnati, OH  45241

513-354-3700

jwalker@beaconortho.com

Tiffany Witham

Marketing Communications Manager

Avery Dennison

8695 Seward Rd

Hamilton, OH  45011

513-682-7510

tiffany.witham@averydennison.com

 

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

Angela Jeneen Corley

Mgr, Com Engagement

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E Freedom Way

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-333-7518

acorley@nurfc.org

 

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New Professionals

If interested in the New Professionals group please contact Jessie Folmer at jfolmar@cincyusa.com or 513-632-5371.

 

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Werner-VonderHaar-Bogart Award

PLEASE NOTE: 

THERE HAVE BEEN NO NOMINATIONS YET!  PLEASE DON’T PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOMINATE A DESERVING PR PRACTITIONER!  (CHECK OUT NEW DEADLINE)

Nomination Time for Werner-VonderHaar-Bogart Award

By Mike Boehmer, APR

Don’t delay. Nominations are being accepted for the Werner-VonderHaar-Bogart Award – the highest honor the Cincinnati PRSA chapter can bestow upon a public relations professional.

The award – named after three Cincinnati chapter presidents who advanced to national PRSA president -- recognizes service to the chapter, the profession, the community and the society. William Werner, Edward VonderHaar and Judith Bogart each displayed exceptional depth, breadth and quality of service to our profession, to the Cincinnati community and to PRSA. The award acknowledges the value of exceptional service.

Here are the criteria for selection of the award recipient:

  • Service to the Chapter – Having served as an officer of the chapter, as a board member, a committee chair, or a committee member – preferably a combination of these accomplishments over a sustained period.
  • Service to the Profession – Having served as a program speaker, professional development presenter, a panelist, coordinator of an accreditation activity, worked closely with students in the classroom or as a mentor, and worked with faculty, etc. over a sustained period of time.
  • Service to the Greater Cincinnati Community – Having done pro bono public relations work in support of a not-for-profit organization, having served as PR chairman for a not-for-profit community or board, etc.
  • Service to the Society – Having served in a leadership position in a Professional Interest Section or on a District or National ad hoc committee or task force, having served at the District level or National level on a committee, board or as an officer.

The qualified candidate will have demonstrated achievement in at least three of the four service areas.

Nominations, which detail the candidate’s contributions in the selection criteria, should be sent to Mike Boehmer at boehmm@jfs.hamilton-co.org by Monday, November 5, 2007.

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East Central District News

PRSA Bluegrass Chapter Workshop

www.ecd-prsa.org

PDF Flyer

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College View

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

The Cost of Free Speech

By Regina Knapczyk

Freedom of speech continues to be a topic on the forefront, specifically in recent matters due to an insistent University of Florida student.  In fact, college students throughout the nation have been speaking out, making their opinions known.  Some people believe that these students are testing authority in hopes for fame, but regardless of their motive, the results of their actions have caused a national debate on what should be protected under the First Amendment as free speech.

The first instance which challenged free speech occurred on September 17, 2007 when campus police tasered, or electric shocked, University of Florida student Andrew Meyer, 21, during a forum hosted by former 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry. 

According to foxnews.com, Meyer questioned Kerry about why he had conceded the 2004 election after numerous reports of disenfranchisement of black voters and rigged electronic voting machines.  As the question intensely progressed the microphone was turned off and campus police stepped in.  Meyer struggled with the officers for a few minutes before they took him down and tased him. 

Video clips of the incident have been posted online making it widely accessible to Internet users.  Not only is it available to watch on video, but also Kerry’s response to Meyer’s question can be heard on the clips. 

The controversy in this occurrence is that many people argue that there was nothing inappropriate about the question. 

On a video posted on YouTube, as the police intervene, Kerry can be heard saying, “That’s all right.  Let me answer his question.”

According to the university’s American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Meyer had every right to pose his question. 

"People have a reasonable expectation to ask questions in a public setting — even if they are aggressive and some disagree with their position — that is free speech, plain and simple," said Howard Simon, ACLU of Florida executive director, in a Fox News article.

Following the University of Florida incident, college students everywhere were enraged at the unreasonable manner in which it was handled by the police. 

Colorado State University student David McSwane published an article in the school newspaper The Collegian in response to the tasering incident boasting the headline, “Taser this… F*** Bush”. 

According to The Rocky Mountain Collegian Online, in an article posted September 27, 2007, many people from CSU College Republicans to Rush Limbaugh himself believe that the article was highly inappropriate for the newspaper and that it reflected a bias, as well as a negative opinion of the school.

As a consequence of this incident, McSwane is in jeopardy of losing his job as the editor in chief for the Collegian. In fact, many people were so outraged that they pulled their children out of the school. 

In an article in the Collegian, Phil Edler, the writer of the original controversial article, told interviewers that he felt that the word was not inappropriate in the context he used it because it was in an opinion section of the school paper and opinions always demonstrate bias.

Both of these instances demonstrate the ways that our legal system deals with what is presumed acceptable and how to express speech within our society.  Ultimately, we are left with the question of whether freedom of speech really exists, whether you are tased and spend a night in jail like Andrew Meyer from University of Florida or potentially lose your job like David McSwane from Colorado State University there is always a cost to your actions.

 

Northern Kentucky University:

www.nkuprssa.org

 

NKU PRSSA Heads to National Conference

By:  Kelly Warman

As the PRSA and PRSSA National Conferences quickly approach, excitement is in the air among the NKU PRSSA members who are attending.  For the first time since its introduction, our chapter will send eight delegates to represent NKU.  With a small active membership, this is an exciting time for us, not only because we are attending a national conference, but because the skills we learn at conference will be applied to Provisions, the NKU Student PR Firm that will launch in November.

With conference requiring a registration fee in addition to hotel accommodations, NKU Legacy Fund was able to help cover some of the cost to send us to Philadelphia.  Some of the cost was still left over and we put our heads together for creative and unique ways to raise money to send all eight delegates to conference.  We came up with a sponsorship opportunity for local businesses involving t-shirts.  What is this awesome idea you may be asking?

We offered several levels of sponsorships asking businesses for their logos and websites to place strategically on the backs of the t-shirts the NKU PRSSA will wear not only to the National Conference, but also around the community when we host/attend events as a group.  We would like to take the opportunity to thank the following sponsors for their assistance in sending us to conference:

Gold Level Sponsors

Kentucky Rebuild Corporation (KRC)

Rider’s Automotive

Silver Sponsors

Construction Process Solutions, LTD

The Corken Steel Products Company

Game Day Communications

Bronze Sponsors

Cincinnati Reds

Dr. James Wright, DMD

Oriental Wok

In-Kind Sponsors

Outback Steakhouse

Without the help of these generous sponsors, our trip to Philadelphia would not be possible.  We promise to make them proud and come back ready to dive into the world of PR.

 

Xavier University PRSSA:

Project U Campaign

By Jeff McMurray, Xavier ’08, PRSSA Chapter Secretary

With fall finally settling in, the Xavier chapter of PRSSA has finally started on the much anticipated PRoject U campaign.  Leading the campaign for Xavier is senior Amanda Gregory, luckily though, all of the work of the campaign is not on her.  She has called on a team of fellow students to help her make the PRoject U campaign a successful one.

To head the campaign website is Christa Hyson.  With a background in working on websites, Christa is looking forward to bringing her unique skill to the PRoject U team. Along with Christa, Amanda has called upon senior Jeff McMurray to be the teams Media Relations.  Amanda hopes that with Jeff’s previous work with the media, he will make that aspect of the campaign successful.

With research playing a vital role for all campaigns, Eric Duncan has been called to be the teams Research Manager.  Eric has previously been a research assistant for former Xavier faculty member Jeong-Nam Kim, so he brings a whole array of skill to the team.

Along with Eric Duncan, the team has looked to the head of Xü Advertising, a new advertising agency, run by Xavier students, Algis Aukstuolis.  Algis heads of team of all advertising students, who bring a fresh, creative outlook to the campaign.

Finally, with a budget of $8,000, the Xavier team needs a responsible and organized individual to handle the money.  That is why Amanda Gregory asked senior Julie Redfern to help in this aspect of the campaign.

With the management team in place, Xavier now looks to run a successful campaign.  Look for more to come on this exciting time for Xavier PRSSA.

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Visions Viewpoint

Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking

Featured Speaker - Otis Williams

Sponsored by the West Hills Toastmasters Club

Otis Williams

Free Admission

Refreshments will be served.

In 1986, Otis joined the U.S. Army and spent 4½ years serving his country.  After receiving an honorable discharge, Otis began a career in banking.  In 1993, while still working full-time as a banker, Otis started his personal development firm—Otis Williams Limitless. In August of that same year, while he was a member of the West Hills Toastmasters club, he emerged victorious from among more than 10,000 speakers worldwide to capture the coveted title of "World Champion of Public Speaking" for Toastmasters International.

Otis has a master's degree in human resource development from Xavier University.        As an educator, he has authored numerous articles, books, audio and video programs.

When:  October 25, 2007

Where:  Perkins Restaurant, 5343 North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 

            45247

Time:    7:00 PM

For more information or to RSVP by October 22, 2007

Please contact Bill Moore, 513-551-1260 - wmoore@ampaconline.com

About Toastmasters

Toastmasters International is a global organization devoted to helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience.  This nonprofit organization now has nearly 220,000 members in 11,300 clubs in 90 countries, offering a proven and enjoyable way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people.  Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian.

There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.  Please visit www.toastmasters.org for more information. 

 

Speaker(s) Needed for Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. Nov. 10 Conference

By Jessie Folmar

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) / Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. is currently seeking presenters (who will be compensated) to commit to a 45 minute workshop session focused on communications-related subject matter for its fall conference in Cincinnati from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 10.   This is a great opportunity to spread your career wisdom to students and provide exposure for your company (as applicable).   The audience will be made up of high school and college students, and FBLA advisors.

The FBLA conference planner also is looking for companies to participate as exhibitors, which could be of interest to companies who recruit entry-level graduates.

If you are interested in learning more about the speaking event and/or exhibiting at the FBLA conference, please contact the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Communications Manager, Jessie Folmar, at 513-632-5371 or JFolmar@CincyUSA.com.

 

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Member/Agency/Company News

Request for News!
By Shasta Taber

  • CG Marketing Communications took home a national Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Marketing Communication Award at the SMPS National Conference in Washington, DC on August 23, 2007.  CG received a first-place award in the external newsletter category.
  • HSR Business to Business earned two awards from American Business Media in the 2007 Creative Excellence in Business Advertising (CEBA) Awards.  HSR had five finalists in the competition.

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 Adopts New Policy to Foster Research

NEW YORK (October 5, 2007) – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has adopted a new academic research policy that will open new pathways to effective research that positively impacts the public relations profession. The new policy, which takes effect immediately, will enable select university-based researchers to access PRSA membership lists for approved research projects. The policy furthers PRSA’s stated mission of advancing the profession and the professional, as well as its strategic direction to foster research.

“We are parlaying the profession’s best minds and practitioners into a rich resource that will ratchet up the scope and quality of research,” said PRSA National Chair and CEO Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA. “That research, in turn, will circle back to the profession as a library of powerful knowledge that will enhance the work of the profession.”

Strict Criteria
Recommended by the PRSA Research Committee, the new initiative amends the current national membership list use policy. It will allow use by researchers following a formal application process.

To ensure the research yields value to the profession, strict criteria have been established for assessing applications. Among them are the relevance/importance of the topic to the advancement of the profession and the professional; appropriateness of the instrument for the sample requested; consideration of the timing of other research approved by the PRSA board; PRSA membership in good standing of at least one member of the research team; and a completed application that includes a detailed project description. Priority will be given to projects that have received funding from the PRSA Research Foundation and have clear relevance to the PRSA Strategic Plan.

The PRSA Research Committee will manage the overall survey “load.” The Committee will coordinate with other research plans and requests by PRSA Sections and Professional Interest Groups, as well as pull samples over time to monitor survey flow. The Committee also will encourage the use of omnibus surveys, and the review process will include suggestions about coordinating with existing surveys. Additionally, the Committee will encourage researchers to submit their findings to the Public Relations Journal, which is being launched by PRSA this fall as an upscale, academic peer-reviewed publication edited by Donald Wright, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, and professor of public relations at Boston University.

Application Process
Applications will be evaluated twice a year, with deadlines on June 15 and Dec. 15. Contact Christina Darnowski, director of Research and Project Management, at Christina.darnowski@prsa.org for additional information on the submission process or to get an application. A review panel from the PRSA Research Committee and the PRSA Educators Academy will evaluate the applications. Approved requests will then be sent to the PRSA Board of Directors for comment and approval.

Approved researchers are authorized to use PRSA’s approval in their research recruitment letters, and PRSA members will be notified in the next issue of e-News. The research must be concluded within one calendar year, complete with a finished research paper and submission of a project report to PRSA.


 

Michael G. Cherenson Nominated as 2008 PRSA Chair-Elect
Florida, Alaska Professionals and Six Others Also Nominated to Fill PRSA Board Positions

Contact:        Debbie Girard 212-460-1495

NEW YORK (Aug. 7, 2007) – A leading New Jersey-based public relations executive has been nominated as chair-elect of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the public relations industry’s largest professional organization with nearly 32,000 professional and student members.

Current national PRSA Secretary Michael G. Cherenson, APR, has been nominated as 2008 PRSA chair-elect. Cherenson was among nine selected for nomination Aug. 3 – 4 in Chicago by PRSA’s 19-member Nominating Committee, chaired by 2005 PRSA Chair and CEO Judith Turner Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA.

A PRSA national board member since 2004, Cherenson is executive vice president of Success Communications, an award-winning firm that offers its clients expertise in public relations, association management, Web development, interactive advertising and marketing, and recruitment marketing. The agency, currently celebrating its 50th year, is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., and has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego and Tampa.

Cherenson’s expertise extends to all disciplines of public relations, including corporate, marketing, internal and crisis communications, government relations, event management and interactive public relations. At Success Communications, he serves as chief public relations counselor and strategist, and is involved with all public relations activities for the firm's diverse clientele.

He is a member of the PRSA New Jersey Chapter, having served as its president in 2001 and 2002, and serves on the University of Florida's Department of Public Relations' Advisory Board; the Fairleigh Dickinson University Corporate and Organizational Communication Board of Corporate Advisors; and the Gibbs College Visual Communications Advisory Board.

Cherenson also has served as an advisor on the boards of directors of many national and community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey. He also is the founder and president of his hometown lacrosse club, the Pequannock (N.J.) Lacrosse Club.

“It’s both a privilege and a tremendous opportunity to be nominated as chair-elect,” says Cherenson. “My goal is to work with the national board, staff and our hundreds of volunteer leaders to advance the profession, empower members, and foster a thriving and diverse community of professionals. From Hartford to Honolulu, Fairbanks to Ft. Lauderdale — and everywhere in between — we'll continue helping public relations flourish through professional development, advocacy and diversity.”

Joining Cherenson as 2008 nominees are public relations leaders from diverse geographic and professional sectors of PRSA and the profession, including:

Treasurer
Rosanna M. Fiske, APR
, associate professor, Florida International University, Coral Gables, Fla.

Secretary
Mary Deming Barber, APR, Fellow PRSA
, director, communications, the Alaska Community Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska

Director, North Pacific District
Kathryn D. Hubbell, APR, Fellow PRSA
, owner, Adscripts, Inc., Missoula, Mont.

Director, Southeast District
Philip A. Tate, APR, vice president, Luquire George Andrews, Charlotte, N.C.

Director, Southwest District
The Nominating Committee has not nominated a candidate to serve on the board from the Southwest District. Qualified candidates may enter their names on the ballot by filing a petition with the secretary of PRSA no later than Thursday, Sept. 20. The petition must be signed by at least 25 2007 Assembly delegates. For more information on how you can utilize a petition to get on the ballot, e-mail nomcomm@prsa.org.

Director-At-Large
David M. Imre, APR, president, Imre Communications, LLC, Baltimore, Md.

Additional public relations professionals were nominated to serve as delegate-at-large at the 2008 Assembly. Nominated to represent members who are not in Chapter areas are:

Carolyn G. Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, adjunct professor, Texas Christian University and University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
Elizabeth McRae, principal, The McRae Agency, Scottsdale, Ariz.

There are two positions available to represent members of PRSA who reside outside the United States and Canada. The Nominating Committee has nominated one individual:

P. Michael McDermott, APR, Fellow PRSA, international public relations counselor, International Public Relations Counsel, Riverside, Conn.

Other qualified candidates may enter their names on the ballot by filing a petition with the secretary of PRSA no later than Thursday, Sept. 20. The petition must be signed by at least 25 2007 Assembly delegates. For more information on how you can utilize a petition to get on the ballot, e-mail nomcomm@prsa.org.

“We are proud to present these talented and committed nominees to the PRSA Assembly and membership. These leaders will further strengthen the ability of the PRSA Board of Directors and Assembly to successfully serve our profession, our members and our Society,” said Phair. “We had an exceptional pool of candidates this year and we want to thank all of those who presented themselves for consideration.” 

The nominees will stand for election Oct. 20 at the Society’s annual Assembly, which precedes the 2007 PRSA International Conference in Philadelphia. If elected, they will join the 2008 board, which will be headed by current Chair-Elect Jeffrey P. Julin, APR, president, MGA Communications, Inc. As immediate past chair, current PRSA Chair and CEO Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA, will join them in the PRSA’s governance.

 

Mia Farrow, Acclaimed Actress and Humanitarian Activist, and Donna Brazile, Leading Political Strategist and CNN Commentator, Join Tim Russert of “Meet the Press” in an All-Star PRSA 2007 International Conference Speaker Lineup

NEW YORK (July 30, 2007) — Mia Farrow, acclaimed actress and humanitarian activist, and Donna Brazile, leading political strategist and CNN commentator, join Tim Russert, “Meet the Press” managing editor and moderator, as keynote speakers at the PRSA 2007 International Conference Oct. 20 – 23 in Philadelphia.  Farrow is the opening keynote speaker at Sunday’s General Session, followed by Russert, who keynotes Monday’s General Session. Brazile rounds out the high-profile speaker lineup when she delivers the Tuesday keynote speech at the General Session.  The PRSA International Conference is the world’s premier public relations event.

   
                Mia Farrow                             Donna Brazile

Farrow works tirelessly as a staunch advocate for children’s rights, raising funds and awareness for children in conflict-affected regions, predominantly Africa.  She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has worked extensively to draw attention to the fight to eradicate polio, which she survived as a child.

Her latest humanitarian effort raises awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur, Chad and Central African Republic. Connecting to the humanity in all of us, she reminds us of our moral responsibility to assure "never again" are not just words. Farrow will address what compels her to continue this work despite grave personal risk and will share how every individual can help.

In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Farrow is an accomplished actress who gained national attention through her role in the television classic, “Peyton Place.” She starred in more than 40 movies, including “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “Hannah and Her Sisters.”  She has completed work on two films being released this year: ”Be Kind Rewind” with Jack Black, directed by Michel Gondry, and the first part of director Luc Besson’s planned trilogy of fantasy films, “Arthur and the Invisibles.”

Donna Brazile, Tuesday’s General Session Conference keynoter, is one of America’s most influential and best known political strategists, who made history as the first African-American woman to lead a major presidential campaign when she was named campaign manager for Gore-Lieberman in 2000. A popular political commentator for CNN, ABC News and other media, Brazile is a fierce advocate of diversity in the workplace and the inclusion of women and minorities in politics.  Following the 2002 midterm election, Brazile was named chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute, which helps protect and promote the right of all Americans to participate in the political process.

In addition to being a weekly contributor and political commentator for CNN and political consultant for ABC News, Brazile is a contributor to NPR’s “Political Corner.” She also is a columnist for Roll Call newspaper and Ms. Magazine, and the author of a syndicated column. Brazile also is the author of “Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics,” a memoir about her life in the political arena, as well as co-author of “What We Do Now.”

“We’re thrilled to have this outstanding lineup of luminaries who continue to make their mark on this nation and the world,” said PRSA National President and CEO Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA.  “Before there was Angelina Jolie, Bono or George Clooney, there was Mia Farrow. She has been and continues to be Hollywood’s most dedicated humanitarian, committing her life to improving the plight of children everywhere. Donna Brazile is an inspiration to all Americans for breaking the barrier for women of color to lead a presidential campaign and for a never-ending commitment to ensure we never lose sight of the needs of the poor and minorities.”

Themed “PR Evolution: Innovation. Collaboration. Influence.,” the Conference features 100+ comprehensive Professional Development sessions led by 200+ top industry experts. Session tracks designed for optimal learning focus on: Innovative Strategies, Effective Tactics and Techniques, Specialization and Practice Areas, and the Evolving Profession.

Sessions address the latest trends and fundamentals of topics like emerging technologies and social media (e.g., blogging and podcasting), leadership, branding, positioning, differentiation, case studies, ethics, crisis communications, specialization, industry innovation, media relations, measurement, integrated communications, marketing, diversity, advocacy, and much more.

Public relations and communications professionals in all stages of their career will hear about the most critical issues facing the profession and learn the newest strategies, tools, techniques and best practices from presenters from across the nation and around the globe.

Thousands of public relations and communications professionals and students from around the world attend the PRSA International Conference. In addition to 100+ Professional Development sessions, there are 10 skill-enhancing pre-Conference events, five keynote sessions, two powerhouse Lunch and Learn programs, 16 industry-specific networking events, and the popular Cyber Café where attendees can check e-mail and go online.

Keynoting the Tuesday luncheon is PRSA leader Brian Tierney, CEO, Philadelphia Media Holdings, and publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.

Additionally, there will be two keynote panels.  One panel will comprise a group of multinational public relations agency chief executives, including Marcia Silverman, global CEO, Ogilvy PR Worldwide; Fred Cook, president & CEO, GolinHarris; Ray Kotcher, CEO, Ketchum; and Patrice Tanaka, co-chair, chief creative officer, CRT/Tanaka. 

The second keynote panel will be moderated by Concetta Stewart, dean, School of Communications and Theater, Temple University, Philadelphia, and will include executives from the nation’s best known media, including Neil Lipschultz, senior vice president and managing editor, Dow Jones Newswires, a unit of Dow Jones & Company; Jane Seagrave, vice president of new media markets and director, AP Digital, a division of The Associated Press; David Daugherty, Ph.D., vice president, research, Newspaper Division, Gannett Company; and Stephen Gray, managing director, Newspaper Next.

Registration fees for the 2007 International Conference are $1,075 for members and $1,325 for nonmembers who sign up for the Early Bird Rate by Sept. 7. After that, registration will be $1,275 for members and $1,525 for nonmembers. In honor of those serving in the U.S. military, a special active-duty military rate was added this year.

Click here to visit PRSA’s dedicated, easy-to-navigate Web site offering up-to-date Conference information. The Web site provides a Conference overview, news about keynoters, program details, registration, sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities, hotel and travel, and more. As the Conference draws near, more information will be added. For information on the PRSA International Conference, click here.

 

Make a Difference - PRSA is Seeking Volunteers!

(found in March 2007 PRVisions)

 

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National PRSA Calendar of Events (July & August)

October 2007

4-18

Speed Pitching

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Media Relations

 

9

Using Virtual Social Worlds to Expand Your Messaging: Understanding and Benefiting from Second Life and Other Online Societies

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Technology & Emerging Trends

 

11-25

Getting the Most Out of Surveys

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Communications Planning & Evaluation

 

16-30

Meet the Media: Environment Journalists: Gain insights from leading environmental journalists

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Media Relations

 

18-1

Go Beyond the Inverted Pyramid

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Techniques & Tactics

 

20-23

2007 PRSA International Conference

Philadelphia, PA

     

25-8

Media Training for Media Trainers: Improve Your Effectiveness as a Media Coach and Trainer

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Media Relations

 

30-13

APR Study Programming: Legal Aspects: Legal Aspects of Public Relations Practice

N/A

Colleen Seaver

APR

 

November 2007

5-6

New Media PR Boot Camp: Key concepts and techniques of effective public relations

New York, NY

Colleen Seaver

Communications Planning & Evaluation

7-21

I'll Buy That! Getting your senior management to champion the value of public relations

N/A

Denise Mojica

Management & Leadership

8-9

Advanced Crisis Communication Strategy

New York, NY

Colleen Seaver

Relationship & Reputation

8-9

PR Boot Camp: Key concepts and techniques of effective public relations

San Diego, CA

Colleen Seaver

Communications Planning & Evaluation

8-22

Use the Benchmarking Process to Gain Insight for Your Strategic Planning: Find out how benchmarking can impact better business results to management

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Communications Planning & Evaluation

9

Learning to Teach: Make the Transition from Professional Practice to the Classroom

Pomona, CA

Alivia Osborne

Management & Leadership

13

Three Ways to Generate Great Story Angles

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Techniques & Tactics

13-27

Leveraging the Communicator's Role in Mergers and Acquisitions

N/A

Denise Mojica

Communications Planning & Evaluation

14-28

Communicating on the Web: Maximizing online communications to deliver results

N/A

Alivia Osborne

Techniques & Tactics

14-28

Four Factors for Success with Social Networking: How to turn social media into a competitive business tool

N/A

Denise Mojica

Techniques & Tactics

15

Develop an Approval Process That Doesn't Drive You Nuts

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Techniques & Tactics

15

Understanding Real-Time Media

Portland, OR

Denise Mojica

Technology & Emerging Trends

15-29

Grassroots Giving: The Seven Basic Steps of Fundraising for PR Professionals

N/A

Denise Mojica

Relationship & Reputation

16

12 Ways to Generate Story Angles: Never Be Stuck Without A Story Again

Washington, DC

Colleen Seaver

Media Relations

20-4

Meet the Media: Womens' Magazine Journalists

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Media Relations

27-11

CEO Talk: Five key steps to make your speeches, presentations and new business pitches twice as memorable in half the time

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Techniques & Tactics

29

Building Effective Crisis Plans

N/A

Colleen Seaver

Relationship & Reputation

29-30

Building and Evaluating an Employee Communications Program: Exceed quality and productivity expectations by implementing key strategies

New York, NY

Colleen Seaver

Communications Planning & Evaluation

 

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Past PRVisions Issues

September 2007

August 2007

July 2007

June 2007

May 2007

April 2007

March 2007

February 2007

January 2007

December 2006

PDF Versions Available:

November 2006

 

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