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Thursday, October 30, 2008

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

 

 

 

 
Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 27, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

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

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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.

Monday, October 13, 2008

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.

Friday, October 10, 2008

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.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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/