Jan. 14, 2009 ~ Monthly Luncheon to feature Mitchell Schnurman from the FWST

TOPIC: Gazing into the Crystal Ball: The Outlook for Local Business and Media in 2009

The stock market is down. Unemployment is up. Retailers are slashing prices right and left or, worse yet, closing their doors. It seems as if everyone, from automakers to major cities, is looking to Washington for a bailout.

But what is the economic outlook closer to home? And will the dire predictions for the future of mainstream media come true? More importantly, how will the economic climate in North Texas and changes in the media world affect public relations practitioners? Find out when Mitchell Schnurman, Business columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, looks into his crystal ball and shares his predictions for local business, from both a media and PR viewpoint. Start the New Year off right and join us for a look into the future at the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA monthly luncheon Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Petroleum Club.

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Where: Petroleum Club | Carter-Burgess Plaza | 777 Main St., 40th floor | Fort Worth, Texas

Times: Registration at 11:30 AM; program begins at noon.

Cost: Members $25.00 | Non Members $30.00 | Students $20.00

Where in the world are Tom and Richie?

 

Here they are at Mi Cocina in Fort Worth off of I-30 and Hulen at the board holiday social and December board meeting!

Congratulations to Lauren Burkett, GFW PRSA Board Member, who earned her MBA from UTA this month

 

Online registration now open for 2009 Conference

www.tpra.com

BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference

The joint conference, combining the annual TPRA Convention and PRSA Southwest District Conference, will feature two days of speakers, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities as well as the "A League of Our Own" Silver Spur / Best of Texas awards banquet on Feb. 28.

GFW PRSA Chapter Diversity Award from PRSA National

 

Left to right: Andra Bennett House, APR, 2009 GFW PRSA President; Glenda Thompson, 2008-2009 Diversity Chair; and Laura Van Hoosier, APR, 2008 GFW PRSA President, celebrate receiving the Chapter Diversity Award, Award of Honor, from PRSA National.

Richie Escovedo, GFW PRSA Board Director, receives the 2008 Unsung Hero Award from GFW PRSA

 

John Dycus receives 2008 Team Spirit Award from GFW PRSA

John Dycus, who produces the monthly eChaser newsletter for SPJ, IABC and PRSA, is pictured here with Laura Van Hoosier, APR, 2008 GFW PRSA President.

Dr. Doug Newsom receives Lifetime Achievement Award from GFW PRSA Chapter

 

Online Registration Now Open for 2009 Conference

http://www.tpra.com/

Latest news on the 2009 Conference

TPRA and PRSA Southwest District Teaming to Present
BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference

Social media guru Peter Shankman and branding expert Laurence Vincent headline speakers

DALLAS, December 15, 2008 – Texas Public Relations Association and Public Relations Society of America Southwest District are joining forces to present the 2009 BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference in Frisco, Texas, Feb. 27 – March 1, at the John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites – Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa.

The joint conference, combining the annual TPRA Convention and PRSA Southwest District Conference, will feature two days of speakers, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities as well as the "A League of Our Own" Silver Spur / Best of Texas awards banquet on Feb. 28.

Among the speakers will be Peter Shankman, founder of the wildly successful Help A Reporter Out (HARO) and CEO of The Geek Factory Inc., a boutique marketing and pr strategy firm located in New York City, and Laurence Vincent, author of Legendary Brands: Unleashing the Power of Storytelling to Create a Winning Marketing Strategy and leader of the Siegel+Gale strategy practice in Los Angeles.

Located in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, the AAA Four Diamond John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites – Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa provides a dramatic setting for the conference.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities or to register for the BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference visit www.tpra.org.


###

Contact: Scott White, BIzCom Associates, 972-490-0903, scottwhite@bizcompr.com

GFW PRSA Chapter bestows three special awards to very deserving professionals

The awards were presented at the Chapter's Dec. 10th holiday luncheon and networking event.

Doug Newsom, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Lifetime Achievement Award

John Dycus
Team Spirit Award

Richie Escovedo
2008 Unsung Hero Award

2009 Convention blog is up and running

Check it out here!


http://tprablog.wordpress.com/

A thank you letter from Linda Jacobson, APR

Dear friends,

Words cannot express how much I appreciate the honor of being one of the first recipients of the Jim Blackmore, APR Memorial Scholarship Award. I am truly humbled. I understand that Mr. Blackmore was a pioneer leader in the Greater Fort Worth chapter with a special affinity for furthering the professionalism of public relations. I will certainly do everything I can to uphold that legacy.

Achieving accreditation status has been a long-term goal of mine. I hope this encourages others to engage in the process.

Thank you again.

Best regards,

Linda Ld Jacobson, APR

Peter Shankman to talk social media at 2009 BEST OF SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference

Do You REALLY Know How To Use Social Media?

Founder of HARO and The Geek Factory to Discuss Social Networking at the 2009 BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference Presented by TPRA and PRSA Southwest District

You know Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, but do you REALLY KNOW how to use them?

Peter Shankman, founder of the wildly successful Help A Reporter Out (HARO) and CEO of The Geek Factory Inc., a boutique marketing and pr strategy firm located in New York City, will discuss the technology that is changing the PR and marketing communications industries as we know them during his Friday keynote address, Feb. 27, at the 2009 BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST Communicators Conference Presented by TPRA and PRSA Southwest District

PR Week Magazine says Shankman is “redefining the art of networking,” and Investor’s Business Daily has called him “crazy, but effective.”

Here is your chance to find out how one of the leaders in social media is continually pushing the boundaries of technology personally and professionally, and how you and your business can do it, too.

The joint conference of the TPRA and PRSA Southwest District will feature two days of speakers, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities as well as the "A League of Our Own" Silver Spur / Best of Texas awards banquet. The event is Feb. 28-March 1 at the John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites – Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa (www.embassysuitesfrisco.com).

More details and registration information on the Southwest's biggest PR and Marketing event of 2009 is available at http://tpra.org/.

December newsletter from PRSA, SPJ and IABC

http://www.spjfw.org/ec0809/p1dec08.html

GFW PRSA Member Lisa Albert from TCU gets published in PR Tactics

Lisa's article, "A brand new U: Effective sub-branding at a university," was published in the November, 2008 issue of PR Tactics, a publication of PRSA. Congratulations, Lisa! We are so proud of you.

Read the article here:

A message from Andra Bennett House, APR

Hello, fellow PRSA members!

The 2009 Board and chairs are busy making plans and ready to serve you and the Greater Fort Worth Chapter next year.

Would you like to serve on the board with us? I am in need of a dependable PR chair. That’s right! Need a PR person for PRSA. How much better exposure can you get!?

Nutshell Job Description:

1. Send chapter news to newsletter editor, website editors and local print media (about 5 e-mails).

2. Do this once a month.

Skills required:

1. Sending e-mails.

2. Attending a 1-hr. monthly board meeting as often as you can.



My most valuable relationships with PR peers are those I have made in my years on the GFW chapter board. If you’re interested in serving in this position, please contact me.



Andra Bennett, APR

President-Elect / VP Membership Chair

Greater Fort Worth PRSA

abennett@fortworthchamber.com

It is time to start putting together your entries for the TPRA Silver Spurs Awards

Find out all the details by clicking below:
http://www.tpra.com/awards/

2009 Newsletter/PR Chair position available with GFW PRSA board

Are you a great writer? Enjoy working with the media? Please contact GFW PRSA President-Elect Andra Bennett House, APR if you are interested in this volunteer chair position for 2009, and she can give you all the details. abennett@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, x 265

Thank you!

Putting Ethics into PR Practice

This post first appeared in The Saltlick blog by Linda Jacobson, APR

After listening to Doug Newsom, grande dame of public relations, speak about the ethical situations in which a public relations professional can become mired, I was surprised to hear her tell of how she resigned a position because she was asked to do something unethical. And in her words, she had four children to support at the time. The show-and-tell of that kind of moxie is really needed so that those of us in the public relations profession understand that, where the stakes are high, resigning just might be the appropriate action.

Newsom delivered several powerful lessons from her 40 years' experience at the Nov. 13 Greater Fort Worth/Dallas PRSA meeting. Chief among them:

1. Stand your ground. When dealing with senior execs, more than likely you're dealing with strong opinions and strong personalities. You have expertise in your field - expertise that the CEO counts on hearing.

2. Understand the culture of the corporation. As Newsom pointed out, when it comes to communication, companies range from closed to open. Know where the company/client falls on that continuum, and decide if your personal values fit that culture. If not, you'll likely encounter some conflicts when sensitive issues arise.

3. Adhere to an ethics model. She specifically discussed a utilitarian model, which supports decision-making of doing the greatest good for the greatest number, or a communitarian ethics model, which stresses morality in the community and being a good "corporate citizen." She mentioned Mitch Land's book, Contemporary Media Ethics, which I highly recommend. Land and co-editor Hornaday present multiple case studies of PR ethics problems, considering them from both perspectives, so the reader can see the difference in the two models.

Newsom also discussed two likely ethics dilemmas with the audience and then stuck around to answer questions.

Her message, so needed in today's transparent world, was timeless and a good reminder to anyone in the communications business.

When is the 2009 PRSA Southwest District Conference?

February 27 - March 1, 2009


Best of the Southwest
Communicators Conference
Presented by Texas Public Relations Association and PRSA Southwest District

MORE INFORMATION IS HERE:
http://www.tpra.org/2009convention/

WHERE: Embassy Suites-Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa - Frisco, TX

SAVE THE DATES!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Best of the Southwest
Communicators Conference
Presented by Texas Public Relations Association and PRSA Southwest District
February 27 - March 1, 2009
Embassy Suites-Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa - Frisco, TX

There's a job opening in the FWISD Communications Office, the marketing arm for the district

Per Barbara Griffith: They are looking for a bilingual person who will do administrative work as well as have the opportunity to do media relations outreach and coordination. Media coaching/training available to this person.

Interested? Apply online:

http://www.fwisd.org/Pages/Default.aspx

GFW PRSA Holiday Luncheon, Dec. 10

GFW PRSA December Holiday Luncheon

SAVE THE DATE!
December 10
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m
The Petroleum Club

This has been a fantastic and very busy year for the Greater Fort Worth PRSA Chapter, so as the year winds down, please plan to celebrate this success and the holiday season on December 10 at a special chapter luncheon and networking event.

You'll have an opportunity to mix and mingle, discuss your ideas for the chapter with next year's officers and enjoy a fantastic lunch and delectable desserts. We'll also be honoring the accomplishments and contributions of several of our members and others with special awards.

Throughout our time together, we'll be treated to musical entertainment from Gonzolo, an accomplished harpist.

Join us for this festive event, and please feel free to invite a colleague to join you.

Watch for your Cvent invite, or email lauravanhoosier@msn.com to have the link sent your way.

Book Benefit that GFW PRSA supports!

WHAT: JPS Book Benefit & Splendiferous Gift Drawing!

WHEN:
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008
6-8:30 p.m.


WHERE: Hospitality Room, Coors Distributing Co.
2550 McMillan Parkway, on the east side of
I-35W just south of Meacham Boulevard


Invitees*: area journalists, writers, PR types

Cost: $15 or the equivalent (or more) in new
or good-condition-used children’s books
for the JPS Health Network children’s
library; and magazines, they need
magazines (all kinds, not just
for kids) — clean out your closet!
Food: world-class barbecue, beans,
potato salad, dessert; tea, beer

*SPJ,
PRSA,
IABC,
ASBPE,
AWJ,
NAHC,
AAJA,
NAJA,
NLGJA,
AYJ,
WGT

Not part of any acronym group? Or you used
to be, but it folded? You’re welcome, too!

Brought to you by the IABC Fort Worth raffle grab team and SPJ.

RSVP to mkpirtle@yahoo.com

(The room only holds about 100, and last year it was full.)

Susan Schoolfield, APR, accepting the Chapter Diversity Award from PRSA National President Jeffrey Julin

 

A special message from Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA

Hello, GFW PRSA Members:

There are two excellent reports from your Assembly Delegates on this site. Please peruse those reports, which will bring you up to date with national PRSA activities.

I'm pleased to begin my second year as one of two Assembly Delegates
At Large who represent members who do not live in areas served by
chapters. This includes about 125 people who live in Mississippi,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Guam, Puerto Rico and military
locations.

If any of you are interested in getting involved in PRSA at the
national and regional level, please do so! PRSA is always in search
of volunteers who can serve on committees and task forces and can
provide valuable ideas to the national organization. You also may
want to join a section or become involved in the leadership of
sections. There are many opportunities to serve PRSA and the
profession, all of which will provide important networking and
professional development activities. Thanks to today's electronic
communications, most of this involvement is online or by conference
call at convenient times for participants.

GFW PRSA is an excellent chapter with great people and
professionals. Thank you for your membership and involvement.

Happy holidays to all. CB


Carolyn Bobo
cgbobo@mindspring.com

FWST and DMN to share some resources

From FWST:

http://www.star-telegram.com/business/columnists/mitchell_schnurman/

Press Release from National on Chapter Diversity Award

PRSA Recognizes Chapters for Exceptional Efforts in
Advancing National Diversity Initiative
Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Wichita Chapters Demonstrate
Key Values in Diversity


NEW YORK (Oct. 30, 2008) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored four of its Chapters with the 2008 PRSA Chapter Diversity Awards for outstanding efforts to promote the organization’s national diversity initiative. Ivonne Couret, co-chair of the PRSA National Diversity Committee, and PRSA Chair & CEO Jeff Julin, APR, presented the awards to representatives from the Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Wichita Chapters at the PRSA Assembly Luncheon on Oct. 25.

The Chapter Diversity Award, sponsored by the PRSA Diversity Advisory Board, is given to PRSA Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity by having initiated and maintained a successful diversity program in 2007; recruited or mentored members with interests and expertise in diversity; demonstrated a significant contribution toward diversity; and showcased diversity as one of the top three strategic goals for the Chapter.

“It is important to recognize those Chapters that are embracing diversity and inclusion through the public relations profession,” said Couret. “These Chapters add value to our society and raise the bar of excellence for other PRSA Chapters.”

Each winning Chapter received a certificate of achievement. The Greater Forth Worth, Miami, and Orange County Chapters were awarded $250 to be used toward furthering their diversity initiatives.

The Greater Fort Worth Chapter recognized that understanding the distinction between embracing and accepting differences is key to an authentic approach to diversity. This insight led to the creation of the Chapter’s “Diversity of Thought” program, which helped promote diverse group participation in a citywide AIDS and HIV awareness program. The Chapter increased commitment to diversity from its members by building a committee of diverse persons representing the corporate, nonprofit, medical, and arts communities. Additionally, the Chapter sponsored diversity-themed luncheons, as well as held a series of meetings and phone conferences with area companies to gauge the effectiveness of its diversity initiatives.

The Miami Chapter continues to recognize their impact on the public relations industry as a highly diverse city. The Chapter’s priorities have intrinsically centered on diversity, which is illustrated by its leadership composition, professional development opportunities, and community service. This year’s PRSA Miami Sunshine District Conference allowed the Chapter to expand its key programming to include diversity topics that allowed panelists to discuss marketing strategies to reach diverse segments of the population in today’s changing times. The programming also included an agency roundtable with key executives from three of Miami’s top international agencies.

The Orange County Chapter continues to build upon its strategic partnerships with regional Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and YoPro Chapters for new leader development, diversity, inclusion training, and mentorship. It secured high-profile guest speakers, which drove attendance to diversity events and broadened the Chapter’s diversity message, as well as maintains timely content and resources on its Web site. This year, the Chapter rebranded diversity with a new logo and leveraged social networking opportunities on such sites as Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Wichita Chapter is a recipient of the Award of Honor certificate for its energy as a small Chapter making great strides to advance diversity and inclusion by producing diversity-themed workshops for its community.

“Diversity is what makes our society strong, and engaging in initiatives that advance inclusion are key to the success of PRSA and our profession,” said Julin. “In addition to achievements of local Chapters, Districts, and Sections, the national Diversity Advisor Board accomplished a great deal in 2008, with multicultural programming both onsite and through teleseminars, media articles, the launch of “PRSA Diversity Today,” a podcast that discusses hot topics with named professionals, and providing diversity education for our PRSSA students.”

About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
The Public Relations Society of America (www.prsa.org), headquartered in New York City, is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with nearly 32,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into 109 Chapters and 10 Districts nationwide, and 20 Professional Interest Sections and Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America (www.prssa.org) has 296 Chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States, and one Chapter in Argentina.

# # #

Nov. 12 TELESEMINAR ~ Hosted by the Education SIG

~ INVITATION ~
Presented by the GFW PRSA Education SIG


TELESEMINAR

What the CEO May Not Know About the Media (And What You Can Do About It)
Learn to Incorporate the CEO in Corporate Communications Strategy

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 12
TIME: 2-3 p.m.


DESCRIPTION:

Chief executive officers are losing the battle for how the public perceives them and the companies they lead. Beyond lost revenue, the failure to communicate and create a positive perception about a company’s mission and values can hurt its share price and create a welcome environment for activist shareholder groups, hedge funds and private equity firms to attempt to force out CEOs and shake up boards. Veteran business journalist and editor William J. Holstein draws on decades of working with chief executives and large corporations to explain how public relations counselors and their CEOs can enhance companies’ communications skills, strengthen ties to the press and manage those relationships effectively over the long term.



You will learn to:

* Use the CEO to capture relationships with journalists you might not otherwise be able to meet.
* Incorporate communications into corporate strategy from board members and the CEO on down
* Get on the offensive and shape the message to prevent the emergence of broad coalitions
* Embrace the explosion of blogs, search engines and social Web sites



INSTRUCTOR

William J. Holstein is an award-winning editor, author and journalist on subjects affecting CEOs and boards of directors, particularly innovation, competitiveness, governance and global business issues. He is the former editor-in-chief of Chief Executive and Directorship magazines, and is currently a columnist for The New York Times Sunday business section. He also writes for Barron's, Corporate Board Member, Dealmaker, and Strategy+Business. His “Armchair MBA” column appears biweekly on BusinessWeek.com.





WHERE: Fort Worth ISD Professional Development Center (PDC)

3150 McCart Avenue - ROOM 141

Fort Worth, Texas 76110

The PDC is located near the intersection of Berry and McCart about two blocks from TCU.


FOR WHOM: GFW PRSA Members and non-members are welcomed to attend.

PRICE: $5 members, $10 for non-members. Pay at the door. (Cash or check payable to "GFW PRSA.")

Complimentary soft drinks and cookies will be provided.

PLEASE RSVP to lauravanhoosier@gmail.com

A special night with international journalist Evita Neefs ~ Here are some photos from the PRSA Master's SIG event from Oct. 29 at The Vault

 

 

 

 

November Monthly Program on Ethics with Dr. Doug Newsom, APR, Fellow PRSA - REGISTER NOW AT THE LINK BELOW

https://www.prsadallas.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92:novemberluncheon&catid=38:groups

Report from PRSA National Assembly by GFW PRSA Assembly Delegate Susan Schoolfield, APR

A message from:
Susan Schoolfield, APR
Assembly Delegate
GFW PRSA Chapter
Dowden Custom Media
Susan.Schoolfield@dowdencustom.com


Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your assembly delegate while Heather Senter, APR, took a break to be with her growing family. It has been at least 10 years since I was an official delegate and during my participation in Detroit this weekend, I was reminded of the lasting vision of PRSA to unify, strengthen and advance the profession of public relations, and the important role that the Greater Fort Worth Chapter, and all chapters, play in achieving this vision.

Dan Kenney, APR, succinctly covered a good deal of assembly business conducted on Saturday earlier in the blog so I won’t repeat those areas, but will add my own observations of the day.

As Dan described, this year’s Assembly was different, and possibly the wave of the future for assemblies yet to come. The 300 assembly delegates were called on as a think tank to openly discuss industry issues and work on problem solving. To me one of the most significant outcomes from our table and much of the room is the need for each assembly delegate to serve not just in a short-term capacity as each individual prepares for and attends an international conference as a voting representative during the typical three-year stint, but performs every day as an ambassador between the chapter and the national organization.

News from the day:

First, I was proud to represent our chapter during the Assembly luncheon in accepting an Award of Honor, Chapter Diversity Award for the Greater Fort Worth Chapter, including a check for the chapter for $250. The Award was given to only three chapters nationwide. The Greater Fort Worth Chapter was chosen because it embodies and demonstrates key values in diversity as outlined by the PRSA mission statement and contributes to advancing diversity through best practices and case studies. We were also recognized as “Champions for PRSSA” for our ongoing support to area chapters and our scholarship program.

Many members may be aware that the national office has hired a web design firm, RDW out of Boston, and is working on the web site. Design work is due from the firm by the end of the year with 2009 being the year for construction. Stay tuned to National as to how this may alleviate the need and expense for individual local chapter sites or at least supplement existing chapter sites. Now’s your opportunity to view and comment on the site by going to Member Net on the PRSA website. You have until November 15. A number of other web developments from National, in addition to simplifying the look and usability of the site, include:

* A new feature called My PRSA that will be available to act as your individual source for important information to be pushed out to you;
* A couple of new blogs, including ComPRhension and a new leadership blog;
* A revamped job center;
* A new data collection procedure to help build support for individual members

Other announcements included:
* a health insurance program which will be available to interested members in February;
* More marketing and communications promoting the emotional aspect of joining PRSA;
* Ongoing exposure on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and You Tube

Last, but certainly not least, our own Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, was voted in as a national assembly delegate-at-large and will represent members who are not in chapter areas.

PRSA supports its members with a dedicated staff and volunteer board. Ongoing challenges continue to include promoting APR on a national basis to potential employers and members of the “C” team and keeping senior practitioners engaged.

Slides presented at conference will be available online on the PRSA site. If anyone is interested and has problems obtaining those, feel free to contact me.

Susan Schoolfield, APR
Dowden Custom Media
Susan.Schoolfield@dowdencustom.com

Nov. 17th event for New Professionals and Master's SIG members

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THIS!

Mastering PR: What new PR practitioners and seasoned professionals can learn from each other

Monday, November 17
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Scampi's Mediterranean Cafe
1507 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, TX

Appetizers will be served. A firm RSVP is requested so
we can plan accordingly. You will have a very special opportunity
to dialogue and exchange information with many of the PR
thought leaders in Tarrant County.

R.S.V.P. to Sarah McClellan-Brandt at smbrandt@safehaventc.org or 817-480-5041.

Report from PRSA National Assembly from Assembly Delegate Dan Keeney, APR

The 2008 PRSA Assembly Meeting adjourned promptly at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th. That’s the bad news, in my opinion. Delegates seemingly more intent on making it to cocktail hour than serving the needs of the membership voted down a request to extend the meeting even though there were a number of additional important issues that ended up on the agenda scrap heap. I’ll come back to that in a moment.

Earlier, Assembly Delegates were outraged that minutes of last year’s meeting were delivered just three days prior to this year’s session and that financials were not made available until the day prior to the meeting. This made it almost impossible for Delegates to inform their local Chapter boards and seek the guidance of local Chapter leaders. The only motion from the floor during the session was to require the delivery of minutes at least three weeks in advance and financials at least two weeks in advance. The motion passed 85 percent of the vote. The board promised to make a draft of the minutes available for comment within 30 days of the meeting.

The good news is that this year’s Assembly Meeting took on a more open posture than in the past. Although still too cluttered with unnecessarily long reports and sparse on substantive discussion of member wants and needs, it is clear that the board and staff of PRSA are making progress in terms of member-focused process and policies.

Here are some of the issues addressed:

- The Assembly Delegates voted to loosen requirements on who can serve as an international delegate at large, removing the APR requirement. They had been challenged to identify qualified delegates.

- The Assembly Delegates also voted to dissolve the Oakland Chapter, which has not had a meeting in over a year. The San Francisco Chapter has stepped forward to accept the members who were formerly in the Oakland Chapter.

- The Society’s financials were presented, showing total current assets as of September 30 of $5.9 million, up from $5.3 million at the start of 2008. The organization’s total income in the first three quarters of the year was $8.9 million, up from $8.6 million in the same period last year. Expenses during the period totaled $8.3 million, which was up from about $8 million in the same period last year. Net income was $680,000, slightly higher than the same period last year.

- PRSA Foundation reported that it has $170,000 in unrestricted funds.

- PRSA membership has grown to 22,000. That’s up about 4,000 since 2003. PRSSA membership will exceed 10,000 by the end of 2008.

- The Assembly Delegates voted to keep the current dues unchanged. The last dues increase was in 2002. There are noises being made that there may need to be an increase in dues next year, which I think would be very unfortunate and would out of touch with what is going on “on the ground” in the lives and careers of the members. Due to the economic uncertainty, the national organization and the board should be taking action now to reduce expenses, make sure services are aligned with the needs of members and ancillary services are reduced. It’s not realistic to think that PRSA will somehow be insulated from the economic trauma that is happening through virtually every sector, so we need to act now to prevent budget problems that are sure to surface later.

- A comprehensive survey of members has been completed, finding that PRSA has some work to do to improve member satisfaction. Interestingly, even though member satisfaction is lagging, members are very likely to say they will renew and recommend the organization to peers. The analysts explained that many members consider PRSA the only game in town, suggesting they feel captive. On the flip side, that leaves the organization open to emerging competitors. Another reason that the organization should be concerned as we move into a period of employment contraction is that about one out of four members say they would not renew their membership if they had to pay for it themselves.

- National PRSA will be conducting another survey to examine opinions and perceptions at the Chapter level in the months to come in hopes of identifying and deploying best practices.

Assembly Delegates also heard about the progress toward refreshing the PRSA Bylaws. The gathering broke into dozens of small groups to discuss the attributes of the ideal PRSA governance system, the ideal board and the most productive assembly. Comments focused primarily on greater openness and transparency, along with increased flexibility. The current Bylaws focus on how the organization operates rather than serving to support the organization’s mission. That seems to be the focus of the initiative to rebuild the Bylaws from the ground up. Instead of focusing on the minutia of process and structure, the Bylaws should serve as a foundation document that enables the organization to be fluid and quickly evolve and adapt to capitalize on opportunities and deal with emerging threats.

Later in the day we broke into groups to discuss various approaches to dealing with poor PR practices that have cast a shadow on our profession. Five options were presented and discussed, including putting sanctions back into the Code of Ethics, pursuing licensure of PR, pursuing certification of PR, developing a set “practice standards” to encourage best practices, or maintaining the status quo. The Puerto Rico Chapter reported that they have instituted licensure of the practice of PR in Puerto Rico. As groups reported the outcomes of their discussions, it was clear that they felt that instead of considering new licensing or certification that more should be done to promote accreditation. I personally also liked the suggestion of having a Better Business Bureau-style complaint/resolution database available on the PRSA Web site, which would enable clients and companies to look at whether a PR provider has any unresolved complaints. This would encourage best practices and remove the threat of lawsuits, which is why sanctions were removed from the Code of Ethics.

Repeatedly through these breakouts and the discussions that followed, we heard a resounding call repeated: PRSA must do more to build understanding of, support for and appreciation of accreditation. HR leaders should understand the APR and make it part of their hiring assessment. Client organizations should demand that their accounts be managed by accredited PR professionals. And on and on.

That’s why it was so disappointing that the Assembly Delegates voted down the motion to extend the meeting – doing so meant that we did not get to hear the report from the Universal Accreditation Board regarding progress being made in marketing the APR.





Dan Keeney, APR

DPK Public Relations

214-432-7556 (DFW Area)

832-467-2904 (Houston)

www.dpkpr.com

Twitter: dpkpr

Thanks for a great night! PRSA Balcom Agency Mixer (Pictured below Kay Colley and Andra Bennett House, APR)

 

Christy Jones and Joan Hunter at the PRSA Balcom Agency Mixer Oct. 23

 

With our hero Dr. Newsom, APR, Fellow PRSA (at the Balcom Agency PRSA mixer)

 

PRSA Mixer at Balcom Agency

 

Fun at PRSA mixer at The Balcom Agency

 

Balcom Agency event this week! Oct. 23

Detailed information below in an earlier post.

RSVP to kim@balcomagency.com

Master's SIG event - Oct. 29

Dear GFW PRSA Board Members ~

As is our practice to include PRSA board members in all chapter activities, we would like to extend this invitation to you and a guest to attend the Master's SIG event on October 29. There is limited seating and a firm RSVP is needed. Details follow:



MASTER'S SIG HAPPY HOUR EVENT ~ WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 WITH BELGIAN EDITOR WHO COVERS U.S. POLITICS
* Option to Stay for Dinner for Lengthier Discussion at The Vault's Unique Mediterranean Restaurant

Get your tough questions ready for the Presidential and other U.S. elections!

Joining us to answer them on Oct. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Vault Mediterranean Restaurant and V Lounge
will be Evita Neefs, foreign editor of the leading Belgian newspaper De Standard,
a radio commentator on U.S. elections and politics, and the author of several books.

Neefs is among several international journalists participating in a program through
TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism to "live in the environment they cover" for several months.
Involvement by the GFW PRSA Chapter is being coordinated by Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA.


DATE/TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
5:30 - 8 p.m.

WHERE
The Vault Mediterranean Restaurant and V Lounge
At The Tower in Sundance Square
(525 Taylor at 4th Street)
Free Valet or enter Tower garage on 4th St. just west of Taylor and exit free after 7 p.m.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Networking and Neefs Briefing & Q&A
Private room in V Lounge Wine & Martini Bar - downstairs
Complimentary - Light Appetizers and First Round of Wine/Beer

6:30 to 8 p.m.
Dinner with Neefs
(Dutch Treat)
PRSA-Reserved Tables - upstairs
The Vault Restaurant - one of Fort Worth's newest, hippest spots
Classic Mediterranean cuisine
Warm European ambiance with sophisticated yet casual elegance
www.thevaultdfw.com

Reservations Required
Event limited to first 20 people!
(Spouse or Guest Permitted)

RSVP to Joan Hunter at jhunter@the-t.com or 817-215-8973

We hope you can join us for this unique opportunity to see U.S. politics from a foreign journalist's viewpoint.

FROM: Donna Darovich and Joan Hunter
Master's Special Interest Group co-chairs









jhunter@the-t.com
Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T)
1600 E. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-215-8973
817-455-4110-Cell
817-215-8709-Fax

Non-Profit SIG to meet Oct. 28 - everyone welcome!

GFW PRSA Nonprofit SIG (Special Interest Group) Meeting Invitation
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Topic: "Partnership: Who Gets the Credit?"

DATE/TIME
Oct. 28
11:30 a.m. (ending no later than 1 p.m.)

LOCATION
United Way of Tarrant County Board Room
1500 N. Main, Fort Worth (take north elevator to second floor reception area)


Join our informal discussion of the opportunities and pitfalls of collaborating with other organizations for social marketing, fundraising, special events and other purposes.
- What are the rules of the road?
- How do you balance the Return on Investment?
- Come share your success stories and lessons learned.
- Box lunch provided for $6
- RSVP by Noon Monday, October 27, to Monita Butler, mbutler@uwmtc.org
- PRSA member and non-members welcome

If you are a communications professional working in the nonprofit sector, or a consultant/freelancer serving this group's outsourcing needs, please consider joining this special interest group. To obtain more information or add your name to the Nonprofit SIG e-mail list, contact Nonprofit SIG chair Nancy O'Malley, nomalley@uwmtc.org.


FROM:
Daryl Wagoner
Assistant Vice President
Marketing/Communications Division
United Way of Tarrant County
1500 N. Main, Ste. 200
P.O. Box 4448, Fort Worth, Texas 76164-0448
817-258-8060
www.unitedwaytarrant.org

Job posting

"A good full-time position is open at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History -- the director of public affairs job." ~ per a GFW PRSA member.

The job posting is on the Museum's Web site. A fellow GFW PRSA member thought you might want to know about this. Thank you!

http://www.fwmsh.org/meet/employ.html

Greetings from Pamela Smith, Past President of GFW PRSA

"Congratulations to the Fort Worth Chapter on the upcoming diversity award. I hope all is well. Tell everyone (that remembers me) hello."

Pamela Smith
pamela@thePRstrategist.com

A SPECIAL AWARD FROM PRSA NATIONAL IS COMING OUR WAY!

GFW PRSA TO RECEIVE 2008 CHAPTER DIVERSITY AWARD
AT THE PRSA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE LATER THIS MONTH

I have wonderful news to share with you!

According to the national office of PRSA, "during the 2008 National Assembly luncheon to be held later this month, Chapter Diversity Awards from the National Diversity Committee will be given and the GFW PRSA Chapter will be given an 'Award of Honor.' The Award is given to PRSA Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity as outlined by the mission statement and contribute to advancing diversity as seen by submissions of their best practices and/or case studies. These awards recognize local efforts as well as provide further support for continued achievements at the chapter level.

"PRSA continues to promote educational outreach programs for members and the public relations industry by using diversity as a smart business strategy to gain and maintain a competitive edge in today’s diverse marketplace."

Long-time GFW PRSA member Glenda Thompson is the 2008 Chair of the GFW PRSA Diversity Committee and has done an outstanding job leading the Chapter's efforts. GFW PRSA Member Dora Tovar will accept the award on behalf of the chapter. Along with Thompson and Tovar, other GFW PRSA Diversity Committee members include Tom Burke, APR and Amiso George, APR.

Special thanks goes to Ken Reeves from Bell Helicopter-Textron, Leah King from Chesapeake, and Mitch Hill from Baylor for their involvement with the diversity presentation earlier this year. Also, an additional word of appreciation is extended to all GFW PRSA members who were a part of the More Life! Festival project, a component of the Chapter's diversity efforts and one of our community service projects this year.

Every member of the GFW PRSA Chapter can take great pride in celebrating this very significant honor.

Please join me in congratulating Glenda and the entire GFW PRSA Diversity Committee on this very special award.

Job posting at TCU

GFW PRSA member Shawn Kornegay shares that TCU has a job opening in the marketing and communications office.

Interested? Visit www.hr.tcu.edu

Job Title: Marketing and Communications Specialist
Job Number:2008-267
Department: Marketing and Communication - 25001

Job Description:
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary:Commensurate with education and experience

Increase TCU's visibility with constituents by developing communication and marketing plans for specific schools, colleges or departments as assigned; developing and maintaining successful relationships with the campus community; identify appropriate communication tools to publicize programs, people and events to desired audiences. Position TCU experts in local media by maintaining an online experts database that includes written and video content; developing and maintaining successful relationships with media contacts. Enhance the visibility of TCU centers among key constituents by creating strategic communication and marketing plans for TCU's centers; placing media stories in traditional and new media outlets. Maintains staff confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks. Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.

Job Requirements:
Advance TCU's visibility with internal and external audiences by identifying and publicizing reputation defining people, programs and events that illustrate the TCU brand.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism. 2 years in advertising, public relations, media relations, journalism or related environment writing press releases and other publications. Valid Texas driver's license. Strong oral and written communications skills, ability to integrate electronic communications and marketing; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; knowledge of web technologies, new media and on-line dissemination of information; knowledge of interpersonal communications; knowledge of department specific software; knowledge of customer service techniques.

A Cancelled Experiment

The natural gas online education program channel, Shale.TV has been canceled before their first show. Chesapeake Energy, citing “economic challenges” faced by the country and the industry, announced the move to abandon its online media venture.

GFW PRSA recently had Chesapeake's VP, corporate development, Barnett Shale Division, come speak to the chapter about some of the company's communications/PR tactics. She provided some excellent insights based on a wealth of experience and knowledge to listeners.

I was very interested in the Shale.TV information she touched on during th Q&A:

Q - When Shale.tv was announced, your quote may have been heard as demeaning to PR?
A - It was not meant to be demeaning to PR. I think news teams took it personally. I do think it is important to understand difference between corporate advocacy and mainstream journalism. Media is changing. We are doing an experiment and we'll see how it goes.

Unfortunately, we won't get to see how that experiment goes. I was very interested in how this corporate advocacy channel would do for their audience. I was looking forward to hearing about the successes and/or failures of the venture that brought in some recognizable media talent. This looked like an interesting PR challenge for the company.

I will give credit to Chesapeake for the Shale.TV idea. So what if it ruffled some feathers of some media friends. (It was probably more problematic to Chesapeake to have the local community up in arms.)  It would have been interesting to see what kind of measurable impact this experimental venture could have produced for the company.

We all know media is in a state of flux as is the PR industry. With so many tools and tricks to figure out and try, I think more experimentation with creative and unique ideas will only help us be that much more effective for our companies, organizations, and clients.
(photo credit: confusedvision)

Camp Fire USA First Texas Council job opening

Per Angela Downes, Vice President of Marketing, Camp Fire has a job opening:

Marketing Coordinator
Camp Fire USA has an opening for a Marketing Coordinator. Qualified candidate must have a minimum of 2 years experience in Marketing or related field. Requires strong organizational, communication and computer skills (proficient in Mircrosoft Word, Excel, Power Point and working knowledge of Adobe programs). Coordinator will handle a range of administrative tasks and special projects to support the VP of Marketing.


Angela Downes
Vice President of Marketing
Camp Fire USA First Texas Council
P. 817-831-2111, ext. 123 F. 817-831-5070
www.CampFireFW.org

A National Award for GFW PRSA

A NATIONAL AWARD IS COMING OUR WAY!


GFW PRSA TO RECEIVE 2008 CHAPTER DIVERSITY AWARD AT THE PRSA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE LATER THIS MONTH


I have wonderful news to share with you!

According to the national office of PRSA, "during the 2008 National Assembly luncheon to be held later this month, Chapter Diversity Awards from the National Diversity Committee will be given and the GFW PRSA Chapter will be given an 'Award of Honor.' The Award is given to PRSA Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity as outlined by the mission statement and contribute to advancing diversity as seen by submissions of their best practices and/or case studies. These awards recognize local efforts as well as provide further support for continued achievements at the chapter level.

"PRSA continues to promote educational outreach programs for members and the public relations industry by using diversity as a smart business strategy to gain and maintain a competitive edge in today’s diverse marketplace."

Long-time GFW PRSA member Glenda Thompson is the 2008 Chair of the GFW PRSA Diversity Committee and has done an outstanding job leading the Chapter's efforts. Thompson, along with GFW PRSA Member Dora Tovar, will accept the award on behalf of the chapter. Other GFW PRSA Diversity Committee members include Tom Burke, APR, and Amiso George, APR.

Also, special thanks to Ken Reeves from Bell Helicopter-Textron, Leah King from Chesapeake Energy, and Mitch Hill from Baylor for their involvement with the diversity presentation earlier this year.

Every member of the GFW PRSA Chapter can take great pride in celebrating this very significant honor.

Please join me in congratulating Glenda and the entire GFW PRSA Diversity Committee on this very special award.

PRSA in November!

*NOTE: DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE

PR practitioners often are faced with complicated, politically sensitive, ethical and moral dilemmas that may stray from black-and-white areas into the always complicated gray, where it often boils down to a judgment call. We can be called on to balance two sometimes conflicting ideas: loyalty to our employers, and a duty to society to provide open and honest communications. It can be easy to get "caught up" in conflicts between professional and personal ethical behavior and workplace pressures.

Where do you draw the line? How do you approach these sticky situations? How can we navigate the moral gray areas, while balancing the demands of our employers and colleagues?

At this joint program between the Dallas and Greater Fort Worth Chapters of PRSA, Doug Newsom, Ph.D, APR, Fellow PRSA, a professor in the Schieffer School of Journalism at Texas Christian University, will share insights she’s learned from her more than 50 years in the field.

When: Thursday, November 13, 2008

Where: Texas Star Conference Center
1400 Texas Star Pkwy in Euless

Times: Registration at 11:30 am; program begins at noon.

Cost: $30 for members with reservations; $40 for guests prepaid online; $25 for students. Without reservations, please add $5.

Register at the Dallas PRSA Web site: http://www.prsadallas.org

About Dr. Newsom:
Doug Newsom, Ph.D., APR, Fellow, is a professor in the Schieffer School of Journalism at Texas Christian University. She is the author of one book and co-author of three textbooks. She is director of the Schieffer School's ad/pr graduate programs. Also, Dr. Newsom serves as an elected member of the Council of the International Public Relations Association and is on the board of the International Public Relations Research Conference.

Dr. Newsom served as chair of the Public Relations Society of America's College of Fellows. In 1982, she won PRSA's Educator of the Year Award, becoming the first woman to receive the award. She was the second female president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the first public relations educator to hold that office. In 1996, Dr. Newsom was named a National Headliner by Women Communications, Inc., and received the Texas Public Relations Association's Golden Spur Award.

She has been president of the Texas Public Relations Association, the Dallas and Fort Worth Chapters of PRSA, the Southwest Education Council for Journalism/Mass Communication, Fort Worth Professional Chapter of Women in Communications, Inc., and head of the Educators' Section of PRSA, of which she was a co-founder and head of the PR Division of AEJMC. She is a co-founder of the minorities division of AEJMC. She has served as vice president of ASJMC, the organization of mass communication administrators. She is a charter life member of the Public Relations Foundation of Texas.

From 1981 until 1983, she chaired the Accrediting Committee which she had served on since 1979. The Committee reports to the Accrediting Council on Education for Journalism and Mass Communication.

National honorary organizations of which she is a member include: Kappa Tau Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Delta and Mortar Board.

A Fulbright lecturer in India during 1988 and in Singapore in 1998-1999, Dr. Newsom also has done workshops in Latvia, South Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland and Vanuatu. Except for Latvia, workshop sponsors were the Cox International Center for Education and Training in Journalism and Mass Communication and the International Center for Economic Growth. The Latvia workshop was sponsored by the George Soros Foundation and USIA. She also has taught in TCU's London Centre.

In 1993, the J. Willard Ridings Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, which she was responsible for getting started at TCU, instituted a named scholarship for her. In 2001, Staley McBrayer endowed a scholarship at TCU in her honor. She is also the recipient of the Jon Riffel/PRSSA Championship Award, 1968-1992. She was national PRSSA coordinator in 1979-80 and is a member of the Friends of PRSSA.

In 1982, the University of Texas named her the Outstanding Public Relations Alumnus of the Year. Her degrees from there include a Bachelor of Journalism, cum laude, 1954; Bachelor of Fine Arts, summa cum laude (broadcasting), 1955; Masters of Journalism, 1956 and Doctor of Philosophy, 1978.

At TCU she has served as chair of the Journalism Department (1979-86), head of the Faculty Senate, chair of the University Advisory Committee, Coordinator of the Media Studies Graduate program until it was discontinued and then director of the Journalism Department's two graduate programs.

Her books include This Is PR: The Realities of Public Relations (with Judy VanSlyke Turk and Dean Kruckeberg) in its 9th edition in 2006; Public Relations Writing (with the late Bob Carrell) now with Jim Haynes, 7th edition 2005 and Media Writing, 2nd ed.(with the late Jim Wollert). The two writing books were the first in the field and she was the first with a PR principles text to challenge the long-standing text in the field.

GFW PRSA hosts Business Literacy PLUS Teleseminar

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15

WHAT: Business Literacy PLUS!


“Can you talk the talk?” Business talk, that is.

It may account for only a small percentage of your job description, but being business literate is vital to your overall professional success. In order to move up the management ladder or operate your own practice, you need to understand the financial side of business.

Business Literacy PLUS is a teleseminar for PRSA members who want to increase their understanding of key business concepts often encountered in daily client interaction. It's also great for those preparing for the APR Exam.

You will:

* Review how businesses organize their structure and resources to effectively compete.
* Learn to understand internal and external business drivers and how public relations professionals can increase their value by understanding these key dynamics.
* Review important accounting terms including understanding the difference between revenue and profit, as well as accounts receivable, depreciation and EBIT.
* Learn about key financial statements in a way that can be easily grasped.
* Become familiar with the appropriate roles of business in a democratic society and free market systems.

INSTRUCTOR

With more than 20 years of management experience working in a variety of business and financial capacities, Micheal J. Carbon owns his own financial service practice and is part of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Previously, he was vice president of planning and marketing administration for Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where he was part of management team running the insurer’s group health business in Central Pennsylvania.

EVENT

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
2-3 p.m. Central Time

Cost: Member $12 / Non-Member $15

Where: Immotion Studios/Marketing Management, Inc. 4717 Fletcher Ave., 76107

Conference Room and Beverage Refreshments compliments of Immotion Studios / MMI.


To attend, email abennett@fortworthchamber.com or lauravanhoosier@gmail.com for the link to the online invitation.


APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits Approved: 1.0

Participants earn 1.0 APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits for a teleseminar. For more information on APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits, visit http://www.prsa.org/PD/apr/index.html.

Teleseminar

Immotion Studios has offered Greater Fort Worth Chapter PRSA members several complimentary seats for a PRSA teleseminar for Monday, October 13th at 3:30 p.m., to be held in their conference room at Immotion Studios, 4717 Fletcher Avenue Fort Worth, 76107.

It's first come, first serve, so if you're interested, please RSVP by Monday Noon to:

Maria Gluscevic Draganic
Director, Marketing and Communications
Immotion Studios, LLC
Office: 817.210.0142
Cell: 817.683.5462
mgluscevic@mmimail.com


PRSA TELESEMINAR

Social Media and the PR Pro
What Every Practitioner Needs to Know


Take a firsthand look at the phenomena that are redefining the practice of
public relations. Hear from leading social media experts about the array of
new tools, strategies and channels available to today’s practitioner from
Twitter, Wikis, Facebook and Second Life to blogger relations, digital
video and search engine reputation management. Learn to decipher the
correct balance of new media and core public relations competencies.


Get tips on:


* How new media is defining your company and your brand.


* The role of word-of-mouth marketing and how to make it work for you.


* Mining the online conversation.


* Emerging techniques and tactics, and how to meld them with traditional public relations service offerings.


MODERATOR


Peter Himler is an award-winning public relations industry veteran. He is
also the founder/principal of Flatiron Communications LLC, a public
relations/media consulting firm, and a well-known blogger.


PANEL
Rohit Bhargava, senior vice president, Digital Strategy +
Marketing, Ogilvy PR


Mike Moran, chief strategist, Converseon; former distinguished engineer,
IBM; and author of “Do It Wrong Quickly: How the Web Changes the Old
Marketing Rules,” and co-author of “Search Engine Marketing Inc.”


Keith O’Brien, editor-in-chief, PR Week


Bob Pearson, vice president, Committees and Conversations, Dell Inc.

Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA to be awarded a diversity "Award of Honor" and $250 at the 2008 PRSA International Conference in Detroit

Please find some "HOT NEWS" that the GFW PRSA Chapter received today:

According to the national office of PRSA, "during the 2008 National Assembly luncheon to be held later this month, Chapter Diversity Awards from the National Diversity Committee will be given and the GFW PRSA Chapter will be given an 'Award of Honor.' The Award is given to PRSA Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity as outlined by the mission statement and contribute to advancing diversity as seen by submissions of their best practices and/or case studies. These awards recognize local efforts as well as provide further support for continued achievements at the chapter level.

"PRSA continues to promote educational outreach programs for members and the public relations industry by using diversity as a smart business strategy to gain and maintain a competitive edge in today’s diverse marketplace."

Long-time GFW PRSA member Glenda Thompson is the 2008 Chair of the GFW PRSA Diversity Committee and has done an outstanding job leading the Chapter's efforts. Watch for more information about the entire committee and this very special national award.

Every member of the GFW PRSA Chapter can take great pride in celebrating this very significant honor.

Congratulations to Linda Jacobson, APR

Linda Jacobson, APR, received the official word yesterday that she has earned her APR (accredited in public relations). Please join me in congratulating Linda!

Linda and Lisa Starnes, APR, are the first recipients of the Jim Blackmore, APR Memorial Scholarship Award and were recognized at today's meeting by Kim Speairs, APR, GFW PRSA APR Chair.

Live Blogging October 8 Ft. Worth PRSA Luncheon

"There's not only Natural Gas, but PR, in the Barnett Shale"
Presented by: Julie Wilson, APR, past president of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter PRSA, and vice president, corporate development, Barnett Shale Division, Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

12:00-12:15 PM - Chapter Business including annual meeting/vote on 2009 Board.

Live blogging stream for those that wish to follow along or those that could not make the luncheon:

12:17 PM - Julie Wilson, APR - Speaker introducing PR team. Explaining Chesapeake background. (Chesapeake Barnett Shale) difference between oil well in the pastures to gas well near the backyards = issues. Leading in a municipal environment would require a different communications model.

12:23 PM - From a two-person public/community affairs and outreach team to much larger team.

We are about educate about the Barnett Shale...needed a greater education presence...

• created Ask Chesapeake (Q&A) printed piece...not enough...told the area needed more...
• developed Citizens of the Shale (with ad agency) video packaging of informative discussion...still need more...
• developed ad campaign using spokesperson Tommy Lee Jones addressing benefits of the Barnett Shale, Chesapeake Charlie, The T (bus advertising)...led to another phase...
• developed Production video series when we can get people on drilling rigs or at other sites get questions answered. (Changing minds one person at a time)

12:31 PM - When you advertise "Ask Chesapeake" people do - interesting questions and have 24/7 team to answer all questions.

Lots of nights and weekends to address HOA and other community outreach. Other tactics include millions of dollars of community investment.

What is the Message?

• America has a need for clean energy
• North Texas has an opportunity and responsibility to help
• Barnett is leading the country in shale plays
• A win-win opportunity: clean energy and a strong local economy

Challenges:

• drilling rigs so close to homes, railroads, schools, etc.
• fear of the unknown - sites, pipeline, etc.
  
• made mistakes when they first came into area (noisy rigs) but they feel they've improved
• NIMBY's - Not In My Back Yard people (really good people, but just need to be communicated with)
• Misinformation - ignorance and maliciousness

...Wilson addresses social media and how her opinion of blogs is not too high (probably with good reason), but admits that she needs to have her younger team help explain.

12:50 PM - Going through press clippings, campaigns and photos negative and positive.

The Tarrance Group survey/study addresses positive impression of Chesapeake and local economy.

Shale.tv - If we can sit across the table with someone, they start to understand. Addressing Tracy Rowlett and online tv station. They will have editorial control and freedom. They will be treated as media. Video on demand.

12:54 PM - Q&A
How is your Communications/PR approach different? We take more hits. If everyone feels more confident about Barnett Shale, we all win.

When Shale.tv was announced quote may have been heard as demeaning to PR? Not demeaning to PR. News team took it personally. Do understand difference between corporate advocacy and mainstream journalism. Media is changing. We are doing an experiment and see how it goes.

Is Chesapeake going to get into retail? No. But advocating tax incentives to make it easier on consumers (vehicles and sellers)

Evaluating effectiveness of various campaigns? surveying, do not count column inches or tv time...measured in leases and drilling sites.

Energy Education Council vs. Chesapeake advertising/PR? - Chesapeake is part of the council, but council not as quickly funded. Two are not mutually exclusive and hopefully Chesapeake can help their efforts.

Does someone monitor blogs, message boards, social media etc.? Yes we monitor using agencies and internal team. How much are these blogs really an issue? According to our research, a small number of blogs have an impact on our campaigns. Not really a factor.

(paraphrased)

---END

My commentary: I thought Julie did a good job of addressing a mostly positive audience to her. Her answers were thoughtful and polished since the questions (submitted ahead of time) addressed some issues I am sure she is accustomed to answering.

Live Blogging PRSA Chapter Experiment

We have another excellent program planned today for the Greater Fort Worth PRSA chapter luncheon:

"There's not only Natural Gas, but PR, in the Barnett Shale"
Presented by: Julie Wilson, APR, past president of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter PRSA, and vice president, corporate development, Barnett Shale Division, Chesapeake Energy Corporation

To say that Chesapeake's public relations activities and some of Julie's remarks have generated publicity, conversation and even some controversy, is like saying that Ike was a pretty good Texas thunderstorm. When the objectivity of Chesapeake's new venture, Shale.TV, was questioned, Julie responded, "If we need to be a leader in brand-new media sources, we think that's great. We're willing to take the skepticism or criticism because we think time will prove this out. And we're patient."

Julie has graciously agreed to share her tactics and views with us and she'll respond to questions during the luncheon.

And Now for Something a Little Different

As a service to our members and the interested community, I will attempt to conduct a live blogging stream in the next post for those that wish to follow along or those that cannot make the luncheon. My hope is that we can share with you some of the tacticts, strategies, and questions and answers that will no doubt be of interest to a large number of people. We'll try this experiment and see if this is something we'd like to continue to provide for future programs.

Lisa Starnes, APR

Yes, she earned it! Three cheers to Lisa! (See mention above for information on the scholarship Lisa has received.)

PRSA Teleseminar for Oct. 15

“Can you talk the talk?” Business talk, that is.

It may account for only a small percentage of your job description, but being business literate is vital to your overall professional success. In order to move up the management ladder or operate your own practice, you need to understand the financial side of business.

Business Literacy PLUS is a teleseminar for PRSA members who want to increase their understanding of key business concepts often encountered in daily client interaction. It's also great for those preparing for the APR Exam.

You will:

* Review how businesses organize their structure and resources to effectively compete.
* Learn to understand internal and external business drivers and how public relations professionals can increase their value by understanding these key dynamics.
* Review important accounting terms including understanding the difference between revenue and profit, as well as accounts receivable, depreciation and EBIT.
* Learn about key financial statements in a way that can be easily grasped.
* Become familiar with the appropriate roles of business in a democratic society and free market systems.

INSTRUCTOR

With more than 20 years of management experience working in a variety of business and financial capacities, Micheal J. Carbon owns his own financial service practice and is part of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Previously, he was vice president of planning and marketing administration for Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where he was part of management team running the insurer’s group health business in Central Pennsylvania.

EVENT

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
2-3 p.m. Central Time

Cost: Member $12 / Non-Member $15

Where: Immotion Studios/Marketing Management, Inc. 4717 Fletcher Ave., 76107

Conference Room and Beverage Refreshments compliments of Immotion Studios / MMI.


APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits Approved: 1.0

Participants earn 1.0 APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits for a teleseminar. For more information on APR Accreditation Maintenance Credits, visit http://www.prsa.org/PD/apr/index.html.

Please watch your email for an electronic invite from CVENT or email lauravanhoosier@gmail.com to have the link sent to you.

Special thanks to our host site and PRSA member Paul Sturiale, APR, CEO of The Paolo Group for offering up meeting space. Thanks to Andra Bennett, APR for coordinating this activity for us and three cheers to Lara Kohl for setting up the Cvent invite.

2009 Conference

2009 Conference
SOUTHWEST COMMUNICATORS’ CONNEXION

Combines the TPRA Annual Conference and the PRSA Southwest District Conference into a single event.

SAVE THE DATE!
February 27-March 1, 2009
Frisco Embassy Suites Spa and Conference Center

For more information, contact Scott White at (972) 490-0903 or scottwhite@bizcompr.com.

Nov. 13 ethics program (THURSDAY)

WHERE: Texas Star in Euless

SPEAKER: Doug Newsom, Ph.D, APR, Fellow PRSA from TCU

Joint program on ethics with Dallas PRSA.

SAVE THE DATE! Nov. 13th over lunch.


You'll be able to RSVP from this page soon:

http://fortworthprsa.org/events.htm

There is still time to join us the Oct. 8 meeting at Petroleum Club

October 8, 2008 GFW PRSA Monthly Meeting

“There's not only Natural Gas, but PR, in the Barnett Shale”

Where: Petroleum Club, Carter and Burgess Plaza, 39th Floor
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Networking 11:45 AM
Luncheon Presentation 12:00 PM

Presented by: Julie Wilson, APR, past president of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter PRSA, and vice president, corporate development, Barnett Shale Division, Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

Oct. 23 event at Balcom Agency

The Balcom Agency invites you to mix and
mingle with us and fellow PRSA members.

Thursday, October 23
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres as you take
a look around our nationally recognized
work spaces and network with Fort Worth's
well-connected marketing community.
RSVP to Kim Speairs, kim@balcomagency.com
by Monday, October 20.


Balcom Agency
1500 Ballinger Street @ Rio Grande, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

http://balcomagency.com/

Congrats to Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA

From a TCU posting/notice:

TCU Bob Schieffer School of Journalism appoints new director of internships

Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA, has been appointed director of internships for the TCU Schieffer School of Journalism. Dulle will work with students and corporations locally and around the country to find opportunities to enhance their learning experience while providing value to the companies.

“We’re delighted to have someone with Mary’s combination of teaching and professional experience,” said John Tisdale, interim director of the Schieffer School. “She’ll bring the internship program up to the level of excellence we expect in the Schieffer School.”

An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, Dulle was elected to the College of Fellows in 2002. She is a past president of the Fort Worth PRSA chapter, has also served as president of the Fort Worth chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA Nominated to be Assembly Delegate at Large for the 2009 PRSA Assembly

Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA has been nominated to be Assembly Delegate at Large for the 2009 PRSA assembly. A link to the press release is below.

She will also serve in this position at the 2008 Assembly. She will represent PRSA members who are not affiliated with a chapter, which is about 125 people in Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Guam and Puerto Rico,
and serve in the Armed Forces.

Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, has worked in journalism, advertising/public relations agencies, health care and higher education in Texas, New Mexico and South Carolina.

She has been an adjunct instructor at South Carolina’s Furman University and at Texas Christian University, and has published articles about public relations in trade and business media, including “Public Relations Quarterly,” “PR Tactics” and “Journal of Employee Communications Management.” She is a contributor to the book, "Crisis Communications in Health Care: A Delicate Balance," and to the instructor's guide for "This is PR” textbook.

Carolyn has participated in exchange programs in Guatemala (Healing the Children) and Croatia (U.S. Agency for International Development.)

Carolyn has been Southwest District chair, president of New Mexico PRSA, a member of Greater Fort Worth and South Carolina chapter boards of directors, a PRSA assembly delegate and a member of the national accreditation board. She was elected to the College of Fellows in 2001, and to the position of National Assembly Delegate At Large in 2007.

She received bachelor of journalism and bachelor of arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in communications management in an interdisciplinary program of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and the School of Management.

http://media.prsa.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=1199

Red Cross needs PA volunteers

Hi. According to Anita Foster, Metroplex Communications Officer for the American Red Cross, hurricane operations are still in full swing and more than 3,600 people across DFW are being sheltered. "It doesn't look like things are going to let up for a few more days,” Foster reports.

There are many opportunities to volunteer and serve. As you may know, the Red Cross has a Public Affairs (PA) function and several of the GFW PRSA Chapter members volunteer and serve this function.

You can learn more about the volunteer opportunities, training available and the needs by reading this blog from the DFW American Red Cross: http://www.redcrossdfw.org

I know several of our other members work for non-profits in the area who are serving the evacuees and assisting our community in this time of need. If your organization has a need for volunteers as a result of this disaster, please send that information to lauravanhoosier[@]gmail.com and we will post it and share it with others.

Anita's information is below:

Anita J. Foster
Metroplex Communications Officer
American Red Cross Dallas/Fort Worth chapters
817-296-0612 Cell

afoster[@]redcrossdallas.org

Thank you.

President's Column from the September eChaser

"Remember, your grandmother was a lady."

My mom used this phrase with me all my life, and during her upbringing her mother echoed this phrase more often than not.

It is a simple and sweet reminder that one's "good name" and reputation are things to be cherished and protected.

As my girls get older, I find myself passing down these same words of wisdom along with lots of gentle advice.

As PR practitioners we're also obligated to help, preserve and protect the reputations of the organizations, companies and clients we serve. This is an immense responsibility and one that can never be taken too lightly.

Our September program speaker, Dr. Leslie Gaines-Ross, will describe how to best safeguard reputation and will discuss strategies that can help restore a damaged reputation. As part of the professional development workshop on the morning of Sept. 10, and during the luncheon program, she’ll touch on many of the points she makes in her new book: "12 Steps to Safeguarding and Recovering Reputation."

I hope you’ll be able to join us, and while you are at it, bring along some of your parents' good advice and maybe we'll have time to share it!