WMPRSA July 2005 E-Newsletter

President's Message
 

I 've had several conversations with reporters lately about public relations practitioners. Both had stories to tell about "bad" PR. There were complaints about phone calls going unreturned for 48 hours, being flooded with information not deemed newsworthy, story pitches that emphasized no clear understanding of the reporter's beat or deadlines, and just plain dishonesty. 

Fortunately, reporters usually tell me that when they encounter bad practice they may get a negative impression about that person and their organization, but not necessarily about the PR profession as a whole. That's because these bad apples are outweighed by a host of honest, competent, skilled local PR pros who recognize that honesty and relationship-building yield as many "dividends" as a smart new product and hot stock market. 

And the good news, for us in West Michigan at least, is that most local reporters have a respect for and an appreciation for what we do. Especially in so far as we can help them do their jobs. I've also asked them to consider  that much of what we do does not involve the news media, that media relations and publicity are one tool of PR. I'm also encouraging area journalists to even cover us, to write stories about the PR industry. I encourage you to do the same when you have opportunity. 

One of the six provisions of the PRSA Code of Ethics is to "Enhance the Profession." Simply put, that means being a good practitioner helps you, but it also advocates for the entire PR industry. So I encourage you to continue in your good practice as we collectively build the brand and manage the reputation of PR in West Michigan. And I thank you for enhancing the profession. 

Tim Penning, APR
2005 West Michigan PRSA President 

PROGRAMS

AUGUST PROGRAM
WMPRSA Networking Event

West Michigan Whitecaps

 Sponsored by: IMAGINE IT PRODUCTIONS

Take a timeout and join the WMPRSA for night out at the ballpark with the Whitecaps! This is your opportunity to network with other PR professionals. There are no speakers, no agendas, and no rain (hopefully) on tap. Hotdogs, Hamburgers along with Bratwursts are on the menu, so get out of your dugout and take your position. This event will be a hit!

When:   August, 10th, 6:30PM
Where: Batteries Plus Powerzone (Upper Level), Fifth Third Ballpark
Cost:    $20 for members, $25 for non-members and $15 for FT students (includes food and drink the first 1/2 hour after start of game for one hour)
RSVP:    By July 30th

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 networking event (This can be accomplished by clicking on the "Forward to a Friend" at the top of the page)

SEPTEMBER MEETING
Corporate Social Responsibility: A PR Imperative (A joint event with the Economic Club of Grand Rapids)

Sponsored by: Seyferth, Spaulding & Tennyson

PR always wants a seat at the table with other managers, and on September 13 we have it! WMPRSA joins the Economic Club of Grand Rapids to hear a presentation on Corporate Social Responsibility by veteran PR practitioner and longtime CSR advocate John Paluszek, APR. Paluszek is senior counsel at Ketchum Public Relations in New York, a PRSA Fellow, co-chair of the Commission on Public Relations Education, and PRSA's liaison to the United Nations. He is in demand nationally as a speaker and we are fortunate to have him speak to us here in West Michigan, thanks to generous sponsorship of local public relations firm Seyferth, Spaulding, and Tennyson. He will address how a corporation's social responsibility is inherently tied to its business strategy and why how public relations is the function that ties the two together.

WHEN: Monday, September 13, 2005
Registration/networking:11:30, food served at 12:00, presentation at 12:30

WHERE: Ambassador Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Address: Pearl and Monroe, downtown Grand Rapids

COST: Member $30, Non-Member $35, Full time student $25
RSVP DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 7, 2005

TO REGISTER, call the WMPRSA hotline at 616-336-0678 or fax to 616-451-3108 or send an e-mail to Julie Metsker at admin@wmprsa.org. All program reservations MUST be guaranteed with VISA or MASTER CARD. You can still pay the day of the event with a check.

When you make a reservation we will need your name, company name, phone number, membership status and credit card number and expiration date, and credit card billing address (including ZIP code) of where you receive your credit card bills. "No shows" will be billed. 24-hour notice required for full refund.

CHAPTER MEMBERS CAN NETWORK, SHARE TELE-SEMINARS

Have you ever been interested in some of the tele-seminars offered by national, but you  don't have the necessary technology or find that the fee is a little steep? Based on a suggestion from several members, WMPRSA wants to help members access these programs more easily and conveniently. Members who have conference calling, compressed video or Web cast projection capabilities are being asked to "host" such tele-seminars in the future. Since fees are often per location, versus per person, everyone benefits with a reduced cost. Plus, you can network with fellow members before and after the programs. So, the next time you get notice of a national tele-seminar you're interested in and would like to host other members, let chapter administrator Julie Metsker know (admin@wmprsa.org) and we can send a broadcast email to members to facilitate the event. Members will be asked to RSVP to the host, not the chapter office.

FOR  YOUR INFORMATION

You've probably noticed the improved photo reproduction in The Grand Rapids Press and smaller page size of some sections.  Editor Mike Lloyd says though the look and size of the paper is changing, the amount of news copy space and reporter's deadlines will basically remain the same.  So, as P.R. professionals we can follow the same procedures with our contacts at The Press as in the past.  He added that sometime this fall, the look of the paper "will change significantly."  He would not say much beyond that.  We'll be watching this fall.

WZZM'S "Take Five" with hosts Catherine Behrendt and Stephanie Webb has been on the air for a few months now, and airs at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Show Associate Producer Eddie Rucker welcomes your ideas for interviews.  The program focuses on lifestyle, family and children's issues, as well as local entertainment.  Eddie can be contacted by phone at 559-1354 or fax your information to her at 224-7815.

NEW MEMBER PROFILE
Compiled by Anne Veltema

Peggy Howard, president of Straightline Public Relations is a senior practitioner with more than 25 years of public relations experience. She joined Straightline in September 1999 as senior counsel and became the president and managing partner for the firm in May 2000.  Through her leadership, the firm has become a nationally recognized, award-winning company. In addition to providing leadership and business development for the growing firm, she provides public relations strategic planning, counsel and integrated communications services to the firm's clients. Since joining Straightline, she has worked with numerous clients in a variety of industries such as hospital and senior living healthcare, contract furniture, food and beverage and entertainment. Prior to her tenure at Straightline, Peggy was an independent communications consultant for a number of healthcare organizations. Additionally, she served as an adjunct professional at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., where she developed the curriculum for, and taught, Healthcare Public Relations.

Peggy's volunteer experience with nonprofit and cause organizations includes American Cancer Society, Habitat For Humanity, Healthy Berrien 2000, Michiana Regional Abstinence Partnership, Stand For Children and the Boy Scouts of America. Peggy also completed the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program in South Bend, Indiana. She currently serves on the Communications Committee for March of Dimes, and is a member of Stand For Children, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Greater Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and of course, the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

JOB BOARD

Corporate Communications

Internal Communications Coordinator

Location: Lansing Michigan

Description: The position of Internal Communications Coordinator is a specialized position of communication and coordination. The duties of the Coordinator include planning and organizing events such associate and executive meetings and events, writing copy, securing legal/regulatory approvals, serving as a Company resource for all Jackson National Life internal communications, and other tasks as necessary to produce high-quality communications supporting the business objectives of JNL. This individual typically works with a minimum amount of supervision to initiate projects and act as Public Relations' primary contact with Human Resources, senior executives, various JNL departments and other distribution channels. The Coordinator often will work directly with department heads and senior executives. Due to the nature of the communications process, the Coordinator frequently exercises a high degree of discretion in developing communications approaches and materials.

Qualifications: Job Requirements
· Education and training must include a 4-year college degree in a related area
· 3-5 years of related experience with either Human Resources or Corporate Communications, ideally with a financial services organization
· Demonstrated ability to write effective and professional material for a variety of audiences
· A high degree of organization and the ability to learn complex topics quickly
· Broad knowledge of both communication processes and media, and the ability to combine and apply this knowledge effectively
· Experience planning and executing special events
· Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and desktop publishing software

Materials can be sent via email to staffing@jnli.com or via mail to:
 
Jackson National Life
Attn: Staffing Specialist
Human Resources Department
1 Corporate Way
Lansing, MI 48951 

Job Title: Public Relations Administrator 

Stiles Machinery, Inc., the leading U.S. supplier of industrial woodworking
machines, has an excellent opportunity in our Marketing division. We are
seeking a Public Relations Administrator to promote internal and external
communications and marketing efforts. 

The successful candidate should possess the following:
· Previous successful Corporate Communication/Marketing/PR experience.
· Ability to drive development of and execution of PR Plan including:
speaking opportunities, and press relations.
· Strong organizational skills. 

The responsibilities include:
· Establish and maintain relationships with a variety of media including
industry press and association contacts to promote programs, services and
events.
· Develop, edit and provide editorial support for the production of all
marketing communication and promotional materials.
· Identify, research, develop and produce customer success stories,
knowledge papers and articles. 

This position will require regular travel. We offer a very competitive
compensation plan and benefits package. To be considered for this
opportunity, send resume to: resumes@stilesmachinery.com 

Salary: Negotiable
Location: MI - Grand Rapids
Full Time
Contact: Heather Hoezee
Human Resource Administrator
3965 44th St SE
Grand Rapids
Michigan
49512
616/554-9937
resumes@stilesmachinery.com
www.stilesmachinery.com 

Subscriptions and 2005 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.