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WMPRSA April
2004 E-Newsletter
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President's
Message
Tim Penning, APR
WMPRSA 2004 President
We started
off this month with a bang on Thursday, April 1, with our
first PRoof Awards. The name of the awards is appropriate
because they emphasize that we in public relations need to
prove the effectiveness of our efforts. It was a great evening
of networking and applauding some great PR work from our region
of the country. The awards serve as a great way to encourage
and reward excellence, which in turn serves to "enhance the
profession." If you couldn't make the awards ceremony, check
out the winners on our Web site at: http://www.wmprsa.org/Chapter_Info/awards.htm
Speaking
of the Web site, thanks to member Jill Ward of ADAC Plastics
for taking over as Web master this year and making some nice
and needed enhancements. Not only did she help us overhaul
the site to employ PRSA's new national brand and graphic identity,
she's been great about keeping content fresh and dynamic.
We board members have been supplying content and ideas, but
any of you as members are welcome to suggest Web features
you would find useful. We are working to add in the members
section a set of links to media sites in our region, and we
have already added links to various PR resources to assist
you in research and projects you may be working on. Check
it out, and check in with comments and ideas. www.wmprsa.org
Another
board effort this year has been to raise money for our Hal
Walton Scholarship. As many of you know, we have given
this $1,000 scholarship to a PR student for several years.
The challenge has been to raise that money each year. The
board is now forward-looking and trying to raise money earmarked
for the scholarship, with a long-term goal of endowing a fund
so scholarships may be given off the interest generated. We
need your help. You can download a PDF file of a Hal
Walton Scholarship donation form under the "Student
Services" section of our Web site. Please consider a contribution
to encourage the young aspiring PR talent in our region.
As always,
the board of WMPRSA values input from all members. We are
especially trying to reach out to young professionals just
entering the profession as well as senior level practitioners
with years of experience who for one reason or another are
not involved with the chapter.
Member
Amy Larson has constructed a web-based survey and emailed
you all recently to solicit your feedback. I hope you respond.
We're working hard to make membership valuable for everyone
and can best do so with a large number of responses to that
survey.
Previous
surveys or informal comments have led to our next two programs.
April 15 offers insight on using the Web as a crisis communication
tool. On May 12 we'll have a national speaker and a local
panel discussing diversity--why a diverse staff is good business
strategy and how to recruit more minorities into the PR profession.
Please
tell your friends and especially your bosses about these two
events. More information is available, of course, on our fabulous
Website: www.wmprsa.org.
And,
while you're on the website take a moment to read WMPRSA member
Kathy Apotheker's letter which appeared in the in the
March 8 issue of U.S. News & World Reports. Kathy
wrote in defense of our profession regarding the issue of
"Trash TV."
See you soon. Keep 'enhancing the profession.'
Tim
Penning, APR
WMPRSA 2004 President
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SPRING PROGRAMS
APRIL
15 EVENT
WMPRSA Member Pat Prosser, account manager at Structure Interactive
and an experienced strategic and crisis communications planner,
will present: Using the Web as a Crisis Communications
Tool.
The specifics:
Thursday,
April 15, 2004
Networking at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at noon
Cost: Member $25, Non member $35 and full-time student
$21.
Location: Bethany Christian Services 901 Eastern
Ave. NE
TO REGISTER: Call the WMPRSA Hotline at 616.336.0678, or
FAX to 616.451-3108, or
E-mail to admin@wmprsa.org.
All
program reservations MUST BE GUARANTEED with a Master Card
or VISA.
You may change your payment method the day of the event with
cash or a check.
When you
make a reservation, please provide:
Name, Company Name, Phone Number,
Cr. Card Number with Expiration
Date,and
Zipcode where you receive your
Cr. Card Statement.
"No shows" will be billed, 24-hour notice required
for full refund
MAY 6-7 STATE PRSA CONFERENCE:
The 2004 Michigan PRSA Conference is scheduled for
May 6-7 in Detroit. For more information please visit:
http://www.ecd.prsa.org
MAY 12 PROGRAM:
"Diversity: A Valuable Asset for PR and A Strategy
for Business Success"
*NOTE* This
is a change from earlier communications
WHO:
Marc Curtis Little, P.R./Diversity
Expert
Panel Members:
--Steve Robbins Ph.D., Director of Woodrick Institute;
--Alice Kennedy, President of Kennedy Management Resources,
Inc. (Home of Diversity Theatre) and chairperson of
the Multiracial Association of Professionals;
--Gail Harrison, Gail Harrison, Executive Director of the
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance; Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity
Alliance;
--Sonya Hughes, Vice-President of Initiatives and Diversity
Programs for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
WHAT: May WMPRSA Program Focusing on Diversity and P.R.
WHERE: GVSU Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Free
parking in GVSU's Fulton Street lot.
WHY: Marc
Curtis Little, a member of the Public Relations Society
of America (PRSA), serving as vice-chair of the National Diversity
Committee and as a member of the five-year Strategic Planning
Committee. He is the president of the Sunshine (Florida) Chapter
of the National Black Public Relations Society. Marc is also
a member of PRSA’s Counselors Academy. Now, he wants
to offer his advice to you...
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12. Registration at 11:30-12, lunch at
12, program at 12:30.
COST:
$20 for members, $30 for nonmembers, $15 for students.
RSVP:
by Monday, May 10
TO REGISTER: Call the WMPRSA Hotline at 616.336.0678, or
FAX to 616.451-3108, or
E-mail to admin@wmprsa.org.
All program reservations MUST BE GUARANTEED with a Master
Card or VISA. You may change your payment method the
day of the event with cash or a check.
When you make a reservation, please provide:
Name, Company Name, Phone Number,
Cr. Card Number with Expiration
Date,and
Zipcode where you receive your
Cr. Card Statement.
"No
shows" will be billed. 24-hour notice required for full
refund
NOTE:
Please forward this information to others in advertising,marketing,
and public relations disciplines that might be interested
in attending this educational program. |
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NEWS
FROM NATIONAL
New
Member Benefit: Career Tools
PRSA
members can now access * at no cost * Career Tools, an Internet-based
product that offers a comprehensive collection of job search
and career management resources. These include Job Search
Steps (pre-planning, resumes, marketing, interviewing and
negotiating), Assessments, Networking, Research Resources
(links to help you learn more about careers, companies, industries,
salaries, job openings and more). It also offers an
online e-community to all participants. The Career Tools'
Career Wizard helps you conduct a job search and build a personal
career development plan. Career Tools is a service of Lee
Hecht Harrison. Some fee-based services are also available.
To access Career Tools click http://www.prsa.org/_Membership/benefits/index.asp?ident=index0
or go directly to MemberNet at https://members.prsa.org
and select Member Benefits.
PRSA Partners with NIRI
PRSA's Financial Communications Section is partnering with
the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) to present,
"Account-Ability, Gaining Critical Financial Communications
Skills." The three one-day seminars will be presented
June 29 - July 1, 2004, in Philadelphia.
Lawrence
Singleton, Ph.D., CPA, will be back to present the Accounting
Treasure Hunt (June 29), and Brent Snow and Lori Drescher
return with Interplay (June 30). NIRI has identified
expert speakers to deliver Trends in Communications Issues
for Investor Relations (July 1). They will speak on strategic
integrated communication, the current regulatory environment,
annual reports and roadshows/investor presentations.
For more information and registration, go to http://www.prsa.org/_Networking/fc/pdf/accountability-flyer0604.pdf.
(Note that the West Michigan chapter is planning a program
on investor relations for this October)
A Note from PRSA's East Central
District
As a leader in PRSA's East Central District, we
need your help in acquiring professionals' feedback regarding
mentoring. I would like to encourage your participation in
our five-minute survey found at the following link: http://portal.bsu.edu/inqsit/inqsit.cgi/pritchard?Mentoring+Relationships.
At the splash page, simply enter your last name and you will
be sent directly to the survey. Participants will be included
in a drawing for a $50 savings bond at the completion
of the survey. Anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed;
last names will be used only for our drawing. I hope
you can help us out in this effort.
Robert
S. Pritchard, APR
Assistant Professor at Ball State University
Dept. of Journalism
Muncie, IN 47302
Office: (765) 285-9104
E-mail: rpritchard@bsu.edu
ADVOCATING FOR OUR PROFESSION
PRSA, via our Advocacy Advisory Board, is continuing its
effort to speak out on issues that relate to our profession
by expressing our point of view, and demonstrating the value
of public relations and our ethical standards. As we take
a stand, we will alert PRSA leadership so that you will know
PRSA's position, if you are asked by local media, and when
appropriate, can proactively reach out to local media. The
following is the most recent issue PRSA has been involved
with:
Issue: The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent
request for Congressional authority to increase tenfold the
fines the Commission could levy on broadcast entities the
Commission deems to have violated guidelines on obscenity
and indecency.
PRSA Response:
In a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell, PRSA President
and CEO Del Galloway, APR and Immediate Past President Reed
Byrum, APR, asked the FCC to rescind their request and clarify
and strengthen the guidelines so broadcasters and their employees
know exactly what they can and cannot do. PRSA urged
that an increase in fines could contribute to a serious erosion
of free speech and the free media guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.
Letter
to FCC Chairman Michael Powell
http://www.prsa.org/_News/leaders/fccletter030304.asp>
News Release: PRSA SAYS INCREASED FCC FINES WITHOUT CLEAR
GUIDELINES ENDANGERS FREE EXPRESSION
http://www.prsa.org/_News/press/pr030304.asp>http://www.prsa.org/_News/press/pr030304.asp
Letter to Congress/Senate urging vote against House Resolution
3717 http://www.prsa.org/_News/leaders/congressletter030304.asp
WHAT CAN PRSA CHAPTERS DO?
1) Adapt, localize and submit these communications pieces
to your local media and pitch interviews with Chapter and/or
National leadership (coordinate national interviews with PRSA
Manager of Public Relations).
2) Disseminate this information to your members via your Chapter
newsletter/Web site.
3) Send letter to Congressmen/Senators in support of PRSA's
position.
GOT AN ISSUE?
If there is an issue that you think PRSA should consider taking
a stand on, send a detailed e-mail to PRSA's Manager of Public
Relations, Cedric L. Bess, at cedric.bess@prsa.org.
It will be reviewed by the
Advocacy Advisory Board to determine if it is appropriate
for PRSA. To see the Society's initiatives to date, visit
http://www.prsa.org/_News/leaders/index.asp?ident=n2.5>http:// |
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PRESS
CLUB NOW OPEN
Area newsbreakers
and newsmakers have revived the West Michigan Press Club.
The new incarnation of the Press Club is located in the University
Club, on the 10th floor of the Fifth Third Center in downtown
Grand Rapids. Membership is open to all members of the
working media and public relations and marketing professionals.
The initiation fee has been waived through May 31.
The new Press Club features:
---A dedicated media room, complete with television screens
and computer hook-up capabilities
--Access to all dining, lounge and meetings room facilities
of the University Club
--Reasonable monthly membership fees with a modest food minimum
--Venue for local, state and national press conferences
--Banquet facilities for programs and events
--Billing and back-office functions handled by University
Club staff.
Journalists
from The Grand Rapids Business Journal, WOOD-TV 8, WXMI-17, WZZM-13,
WGVU, Grand Rapids Community Media Center, City Media, Clear
Channel and Gemini Publications have already signed up for
the Press Club.
Additional information, applications and tours are available
by calling Cindi Poll at the University Club, 616/456.8623.
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New
Member Profile-Carol Tanis
Compiled by Ann Veltema
Name: Carol
Tanis
Which organization benefits from
your PR acumen? Grand Rapids Symphony
How long have you worked there?
Since May 2001
What are your responsibilities?
I write news releases for each of our weekly concerts and
other noteworthy events. I also write copy for a four-page,
tabloid-size newsletter published quarterly. I also write
the copy for our annual report, and handle media relations.
I edit the musicians and guest arts bios that appear in our
quarterly program booklet, that is distributed at concerts.
I assist in the planning of publicity photos for our brochures.
I'm also a member of the Symphony's marketing department and
help with the development of marketing strategies.
Where else have you worked?
I was a publicist for Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors
Authority in Reno, Nevada. Prior to that I worked in
the P.R. and Marketing Office at Central Michigan University.
And earlier in my career, I was a news reporter at WZZM TV
13 and WOOD radio.
What is your favorite PR task
thus far? I am currently enjoying
writing the history of the Grand Rapids Symphony, which
will celebrate
its 75th anniversary season in 2004-2005. The Symphony
is a stunning example of community pride and dedication
to
building one of the finest regional orchestras in the U.S.
What has been your biggest PR
challenge? The Reno-Sparks
Convention and Visitors Authority owned and operated the National
Bowling Stadium. As a publicist for the Stadium, I had
to learn a lot about the sport of bowling, which was fun,
but also a challenge. My job required that I join the
National Bowling Writer's Association, and I had to mix with
the top writers in the field and act like I knew all about
the sport!
What would only certain people
know about you?When I was a general assignment
reporter at WZZM TV 13, I flew while standing on the wing
of a biplane for a story that I was doing about the Muskegon
Air Fair. I literally had a bird's-eye view of the area.
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JOB
BOARD
Marketing
& Development Specialist
West Shore Medical Center
Manistee,
MI
An opening exists for an experienced, versatile team player
with a growing community hospital in the Lake Michigan community
of Manistee.
Position
responsibilities include writing and designing print materials,
managing vendor services, and serving as primary media contact.
The position also entails assisting with community health
programs and fund development activities. It reports
to the V.P. of Marketing & Development and includes contact
with all hospital departments, physicians, board of
trustees, and foundation board.
Minimal
requirements are a bachelor's degree in public relations,
journalism, or related field and two or more years of experience.
Working knowledge of publishing programs and photography necessary
and healthcare or human services background preferred.
West Shore Medical Center offers a comprehensive salary and
benefits package. For more information and to apply,
see www.westshoremedcenter.org.
Corporate
and Marketing Communications Project Manager
Company: Gentex Corporation
Gentex Corporation, the world leader in the development and
sale of auto-dimming rearview mirrors for automotive industry,
is looking for a Corporate and Marketing Communications
Project Manger. This person will report to the Vice
President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications,
and will be part of the team responsible for marketing, public
relations and investor relations activities. This person
will assist with various activities, including news release
writing, development and coordination of customer and investor
presentations, web-site maintenance, etc. Candidates
must possess exceptional writing skills, and have several
years of experience in investor relations and/or financial
communications. Design and desktop publishing experience
a plus. A bachelor's degree in a related field and five
years of corporate communications or agency experience preferred.
Automotive industry experience helpful. For immediate consideration,
please e-mail your resume in Word format to hr@gentex.com.
Or you may forward your resume to: Gentex Corporation, Attn:
Human Resources, 600 N. Centennial Street, Zeeland, MI
49464. Gentex is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Proposal
/ Copy Writer/Journalist
COMPANY:
CyberNET Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The CyberNET Group,
located in Grand Rapids, a leading global Technology Services
Organization requires a tenacious proposal / copy writer to
assist with the writing of proposals and marketing collateral.
This position requires: Excellent communication skills with
the ability to translate sales messages into clear and concise
documents. This includes being able to develop and deliver
presentations to Senior CyberNET Group Management. A bachelor's
degree in area of specialty with a minimum of three years
of experience in the field or in a related area. Strong attention
to detail with regard to editing and proofreading.
Familiarity with the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
The experience, motivation and judgment to plan and accomplish
goals to strict deadlines. Some familiarity and / or
experience with current technologies used in the market place
would be an advantage. In return, we offer a competitive
compensation plan that includes a base salary, plus MBO incentive
bonuses, 401K, and a full suite of benefits, together with
excellent growth opportunities for entrepreneurial individuals
who have a passion for their chosen field of expertise.
[Equal opportunities are central to The CyberNET Group philosophy].
Please respond by email to: mdudek@cybernetgroup.com
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Subscriptions
and 2004 Newsletter Editor Contact
This monthly
electronic newsletter comes from the West Michigan Chapter
of the Public Relations Society of America. Sponsorship of
the newsletter is provided by http://www.pathwaynet.com,
which also hosts the WMPRSA website.
WMPRSA
PO Box 68124
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Phone: 616-336-0678
Fax: 616-451-3108
http://www.wmprsa.org
Send newsletter
feedback, ideas and accompanying color or b&w photos in
jpeg format to: Carol Tanis at ctanis@grsymphony.org.
Deadline
for newsletter content is the 1st of each month.
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