WMPRSA
March 2005
E-Newsletter
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Welcome to the
WMPRSA March Newsletter.
In this issue you'll find:
- Details about our March 15 event titled Health Care is Responding to Community Demand; How Does Communication Fit In?
- Information about entering our annual PRoof Awards. Entries are due 5:00 pm on March 10.
- Membership Perk: National PRSA's searchable Professional Resources Center
- 2006 State Conference Update
- Scheduling APR accreditation "Readiness Review"
- Summary of last month's event
- Job listings and jobs wanted
So read on, and plan to join us on March 15 for a great session... |
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Health Care is Responding to Community Demand;
How Does Communication Fit In?
Two specialty health centers have opened their doors in West Michigan in the past four months and another is in the works. It's evident that West Michigan's health systems are responding to the growing needs of the community. How does communication fit?
Representatives from Metropolitan Hospital, Saint Mary's Health Care and Spectrum Health will share their experiences and the role communication plays in the development and opening of a new facility.
Learn how these dynamic organizations are developing key messages, timing their announcements, reaching their key stakeholders and responding to the ever-changing health care needs of the community.
Come and join us for this exciting panel discussion!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Registration, networking and lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m.
The speaker presentation begins at 12 noon.
WHERE: Watermark Country Club
1600 Galbraith SE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 949-0570
Watermark Country Club, just 1 1/2 miles east of I-96 off Cascade Road, is convenient and easy to find. For directions and map visit: www.watermarkcc.com.
COST: $25 for WMPRSA Members,
$35 for Non-Members
$20 for Full Time Students,
RSVP by Thursday, Noon, March
10, 2005
To register, call the WMPRSA hotline at 616-336-0678
or fax to 616-451-3108
or send an e-mail to Sue Ann Clark at admin@wmprsa.org.
All program reservations MUST be guaranteed with a cr. card. You have the option to pay 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 zip code where you receive your cr. card statement.
"No shows" will be billed.
24-hour notice required for full refund
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Calling all Entries for the 20th Annual PRoof Awards!
Plan now to attend WMPRSA's annual PRoof Awards, to be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids.
A copy of the Call to Entries form is available on the WMPRSA web site, http://www.wmprsa.org/Chapter_Info/awards.htm.
We're looking for entries from all types of organizations: businesses, government, trade associations, educational institutions and non-profits. You can enter projects in 10 categories or campaigns in 11 different categories!
New this year are reduced rates for solo practitioners and small companies with five or fewer employees. So if you or your company fit into this category, be sure to take a look at the Call to Entries. We've tried to make entering more affordable this year.
Each year we honor the contributions of individuals to the public relations profession. These include:
• Communicator of the Year for a non public relations professional
• Journalist of the Year to an outstanding West Michigan print or broadcast journalist,
• Distinguished PR Practitioner to an outstanding WMPRSA member, and
• Newcomer of the Year to an up-and-coming professional who has worked in the field for three years or less.
Capping the evening is the presentation of the Hal Walton Scholarship to a PRSSA member. The scholarship recognizes the late WMPRSA founder, Hal Walton.
If you would like to nominate an individual in one of thes mentioned categories, please submit the nomination using the Awards Entry Form found in the Call to Entries.
Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 10, 2005. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Charles: Melissa_Charles@alticor.com or 616-787-4635.
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APR "window of opportunity" for those pursuing accreditation
Whether you're currently taking the APR prep class, took it in the past or haven't taken the prep class but have been studying on your own and are ready to take the NEXT STEP in pursuing accreditation, it's important that you contact local APR Chair/Coach Molly Klimas (klimas@sstpr.com; 616-776-3511) by April 1 to confirm that you would like to go through the "Readiness Review" portion of the examination process.
The Readiness Review is essentially an interview, about an hour long, with three accredited PR practitioners, who will determine candidates' readiness to sit for the written portion of the exam process. A RR panel is being assembled for a day (TBD) this April or May. The next panel locally won't form again until this fall at the earliest. So, if you're ready to go for it, contact Molly Klimas by April 1. Accreditation is worth it!
New professional resource
Access to national PRSA's knowledge repository is now just a click away! Now you can search and retrieve answers to your most challenging public relations research questions from our proprietary electronic database of full-text articles from PRSA's award winning publications Tactics and Strategist and hundreds of award-winning case studies from Silver Anvils.
Simply sign on to MemberNet http://members.prsa.org and start searching for:
• Full-text articles from Tactics and Strategist.
• Two-page outlines of Silver Anvil Award entries that summarize research, planning, execution and evaluation of previously conducted public relations campaigns.
PRSA's Professional Resources Center is staffed with professional librarians - ready to help you with your public relations and related research and reference needs.
Get the information you need, when you need it.
Call: 212-460-1459
Fax: 212-995-5024
E-Mail: resources@prsa.org
State Conference needs volunteers
The 2006 PRSA Michigan State Conference will be held Thursday and Friday, May 4-5 at the Marriott at Centerpoint in Pontiac, the same location as in 2004, which received rave reviews from attendees.
We are in the beginning stages of planning for this very successful event and the planning committee needs your help. The Michigan State Conference is a joint event planned by all four Michigan PRSA Chapters and representation from all four chapters on the planning committee is important. They are still in need of representatives from West Michigan and White Pine. This conference is a huge undertaking, but incredibly rewarding for those who participate in its planning and execution. We have great people signed up so far, but the more we have working on all the different pieces, the easier it is for everyone
involved. This would be a great opportunity for students to get involved
as well. |
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Job Listings and Jobs Wanted
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
At Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, Our People Make the Difference! Recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the "Most Admired" companies in the world. If you enjoy working with people, now is the time to join this fast-paced growing organization. We currently have two openings in the Public Relations field located in Bentonville, AR.
Internal Communications Manager Requisition # 164
The Internal Communications Manager will have responsibility for identifying key issues and developing communication to Associates in agreement with an overarching strategic campaign - improving perception and increasing awareness to facts. Will be tasked with supporting and maintaining cooperation for corporate communication strategy among many divisions and stakeholders. This position will provide content for broadcasts, Wal-Mart World articles, and responses to associate questions and external/internal criticism, as well as a corporate web site.
Requirements:
1. 3-5 years of corporate communications experience.
2. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills including ability to write in a variety of media, strong presentation skills, and knowledge of design elements.
3. Ability to establish strong partnerships with multiple divisions and stakeholders.
4. Understands Associate needs, business needs, and differences between corporate and field environments.
5. Sensitivity to confidential issues.
Additional Preferred Requirements:
1. Project management experience.
2. Bachelors Degree in related field.
3. Web design and publishing.
Corporate Communications Manager Requisition # 850
The Corporate Communications Manager will have responsibility for creating and executing communications plans for numerous internal merchandising clients. Duties will include proactive and reactive media relations; providing strategic communications counsel to clients on traditional and crisis issues and writing press materials and communications plans. This position will also focus on additional corporate reputation initiatives as needed. Position participates in after-hours media call duty.
Requirements:
-Strong writing skills and extensive media relations experience with the ability to design and execute strategic communications plans.
-5+ years public relations/ corporate communications experience
-Self-starter with a high degree of on-target productivity
-Ability to work effectively within a team or as an individual contributor while handling multiple projects at once.
-Ability to perform professionally in a high volume, high expectation work environment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Client service experience in an agency or large corporate PR setting.
-Retail experience
-Project management experience
-Bachelors Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related Liberal Arts field
-Second Language (i.e. Spanish, French)
To apply for either job, please visit our website at www.walmartstores.com/careers/
Wal-Mart will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.
Public Relations Coordinator
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is looking for a full-time Public Relations Coordinator for an expanding PR department. The ideal candidate will have a 4-year degree in Public Relations with internship or working experience in this field. Bi-lingual abilities -- English and Spanish -- would be preferred. Knowledge and interest in Gardening and Horticulture also is a big plus! Work within a team setting to accomplish goals. Duties include developing press releases, making media pitches for story placement, and organizing media events and tours while communicating the horticulture, gardening and nature aspects of the Gardens, as well as, the annual
butterfly and Christmas exhibits. Desire a candidate who has proficiency using Bacon's Media Source, Microsoft Office programs, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. No phone calls. Deadline for resumes -- March 18, 2005. EOE
Send resume to:
Director of Marketing
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525
National Program Manager, Cancer Program Marketing
Location: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
Position: Responsible for planning & executing all national marketing, communications, and public relations activities. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, communication of mission, programs, services, and achievements of the cancer program to physicians, researchers, and consumers.
Position Summary: Develops & implements national communication plans, marketing programs, and public relations activities to support strategic & financial goals of the business unit, under the direction of the CCC/James Cancer Program Marketing Administrator. Responsible for developing plans, implementing tactics, and monitoring success of all national cancer program marketing initiatives. Coordinates & oversees association relations, sponsorships, tradeshows, and cause related marketing activities. Ensures proper integration & coordination of all related activities with local/regional cancer program marketing and
goals/strategies of the academic medical center.
Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in healthcare marketing, public relations, business administration, marketing and/or an equivalent combination of education & experience. National medical or healthcare marketing/public relations experience.
Other Requirements: Must be able to move objects weighing between 3-10 lbs.; communicate with all levels of internal & external personnel both orally & in writing; visual acuity to observe & detect problems & objects; and operate a computer.
Salary Range: Mid $60's to $70,000. Great benefits.
For more information: Contact Tom Hall at 614-293-5079 or hall-33@medctr.osu.edu.
Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau Seeks Communications Specialist
To support and assist the marketing and sales functions of the bureau with its internal and external communications they attract and generate room nights for Grand Rapids and Kent County. This position will lend assistance to the CVB President with his communication to board members, community leaders and elected officials. This will include scheduling and confirmation of meetings and related materials.
Responsibilities:
• Assist with distribution and preparation of press releases and media packets
• Coordinate and create electronic newsletters
• Enhance, coordinate and maintain CVB databases of local, regional media contacts and community leaders and elected officials
• Prepare CVB President's PowerPoint presentations
• Coordinate and schedule President's meetings and related materials
• Develop and prepare partner and board communication for the Web site
• Assist with marketing functions as directed
• Perform other projects or tasks as assigned
Related activities:
• Assist President with maximizing bureau opportunities to communicate to the community
• Assist communication director with CVB press tours and media relations as needed
• Generate new ideas to aid CVB effectiveness
Minimum Qualifications:
• 4 year college degree with emphasis on English or communications
• 2 - 4 years of marketing or communications experience
Qualifications:
• Proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Office
• Proficient in database management
• Experience with HTML programming
• Self directed team player
• Above average written and verbal skills
• Experience communicating with board members and elected officials
• Ability to learn CVB specific software programs
• Bring a strong work ethic to the position and the CVB
• Willingness to learn new information and share that knowledge to benefit the CVB
• Willingness to participate in the integration of the sales and marketing function areas
For more information contact: Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 171 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 700, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Phone is 616-459-8287 or toll-free at 800-678-9859. Fax to 616-459-7291 or visit www.VisitGrandRapids.org.
New entry-level PR job site
A new web site has recently been launched highlighting entry-level and internship-level positions within the public relations and communications field. Posting jobs on the site is free. You may only post entry-level (0-2 years experience) or internship positions, which will remain on the site for two weeks. Check out http://www.entrylevelpr.com/index.html for more information. |
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Welcome the following new members to WMPRSA this month:
Please welcome Kelly Caird. Kelly is a Marketing Communications Specialist for Professional Marketing, a Public Relations firm in Grand Rapids, Mich. She graduated from Michigan State University in May 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and a Specialization in Public Relations.
While in college, she interned for the promotions department of a television station, a non-profit organization and an advertising/public relations agency. She was an active member of PRSSA and served on the executive board for two years. After graduation, she worked in an advertising agency in Lansing before joining Professional Marketing.
One of her major successes in PR was securing major media coverage for a client at a tradeshow, including Entertainment Tonight, and most recently assisting in promotion and media relations of the world premiere of The Polar Express, which benefited Hospice of Michigan's Pediatric Program. She says her greatest challenge in PR has been in receiving timely information from very busy clients who are located across the country.
In Kelly's current position, she is involved in pitching stories to national media; scheduling media appointments and giving product tours at tradeshows; writing news releases, media alerts and advisories; creating monthly plans and reports; product placements; and event planning.
Kelly's hobbies include running, playing tennis, reading, traveling and watching Family Guy. She is also getting married in three months, so she spends most of her free time planning the wedding!
- Public Relations Student Society of America
- Outstanding Presidential Service Award Recepient 2005
- National Committee Focus Group Member 2004-2005
- 2002-2003 PRSSA Director of PR
- National Assembly Delegate 2003
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Volunteers Make WMPRSA a Success
WMPRSA couldn't be a success without all its volunteers. Here are some of the volunteers who help make WMPRSA work.
Susan Buckles - For helping with meeting notices.
Stacy Dean - Stacy works at Eagle Village in Hersey, north of Big Rapids and has volunteered to help out with projects she can handle from a distance. She's been a big help with information for the newsletter and Web postings.
Beth Dornan - For agreeing to help revitalize the committee structure of WMPRSA.
Knickcole Hall - An active PRSSA member at Ferris State University, Knickcole's started writing biographies of new members for the WMPRSA newsletter.
Tim Pietryga - For agreeing to another term on the WMPRSA board to fill the seat left vacant when Dawn Lyons Dean moved to a new job in Illinois.
Brooke Vining - For pulling together top names from three local hospitals for a panel discussion about their new medial initiatives and the role communications plays in the success of each venture.
Clare Wade - For planning and organizing the February meeting, which proved to be a successful and enthusiastically received program on "Building an On Line Newsroom."
Jill Ward - Another big thanks goes to Jill Ward who's volunteered to oversee the WMPRSA newsletter. Ideas for the newsletter can be send to jhward@gmail.com.
The WMPRSA Board - Who each give a whole lot more time than the 90 minute board meeting each month.
Thanks to all our volunteers. If your name wasn't included and you deserve recognition, please let me know. I'm working from memory and that gets harder every year ;-). Or, if you know a WMPRSA volunteer who should be recognized, contact Ruth Steele Walker at ruth.walker@foremost.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: Ruth Steele Walker at ruth.walker@foremost.com
Deadline for newsletter content is the 1st of each month.
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