| The monthly newsletter for the Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA |
March 2010 |
Save the Date
What Real Pirates Has Taught Us:
Why Your Communications Plan Should Be Your Platform to Success
Wednesday, March 3
11:00 a.m. - Networking and registration
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and program
Town Center City Club
222 Central Park Ave # 230
Virginia Beach, VA 23462-3024
Cost:
$35 members and military
$45 guests
$25 students
Registration Deadline: February 26, 5 p.m.
All Hands Hoay! Real Pirates Strike For Nauticus Event--
Exhibit opening, international piracy incident draw national media
Whether you're a landlubber or a salty dog, most of us know of the April 2009 takeover attempt by Somali pirates on the Norfolk-based container ship Maersk Alabama. And, we can visualize the orange lifeboat where Capt. Richard Phillips was held for five days before military snipers killed three of his captors.
As fortune would have it, Nauticus' exhibit National Geographic Real Pirates was scheduled to open November 21, 2009. Maersk CEO and Nauticus board member John Reinhart arranged for that same lifeboat to be on loan to the museum for a companion exhibit, Piracy Today: Terror on the High Seas.
On November 18, the day before Nauticus' opening festivities, Somali pirates attempted a second takeover of Maersk Alabama. Opening events included the first reunion between Phillips and his rescuers from the Norfolk-based destroyer USS Bainbridge. The Pirates exhibit provided the ideal backdrop for national media to get responses from Phillips, Reinhart and Navy officials.
Nauticus' strategic public relations plan quickly changed course to handle the additional media attention drawn by this international event.
On March 3, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Shelia Harrison and Director of Development Brian Fair will discuss, "What Real Pirates Has Taught Us: Why Your Communications Plan Should Be Your Platform to Success."
Shelia will review the cross-platform strategies and tactics Nauticus used to promote this blockbuster traveling exhibit in an abbreviated time frame, and discuss the importance of monitoring your impact and, if need be, course-correcting. Brian will discuss how the communications plan was used as the springboard for all fundraising and events surrounding the Real Pirates exhibit, and how a comprehensive, integrated plan should be used to guide all departments of an organization, not segregated in the "PR" corner.
The 16,000-square-foot exhibit runs until April 4, 2010 and features more than 200 artifacts and a life-size replica of the ship that visitors can enter.
Shelia S. Harrison is Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Nauticus, where she is responsible for the overall advertising, public relations and media relations activities. Prior to joining Nauticus, she was director of marketing at The Mariners' Museum in Newport News and an editor at The National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg.
She has also been an adjunct instructor at Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, and Virginia Wesleyan University. Shelia holds a B.A. in journalism from Norfolk State University, and a master's degree in communications from the American University inWashington, D.C. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Grove Baptist Church and its marketing and public relations ministry, the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals and the American Marketing Association.
Brian J. Fair is the Director of Development for Nauticus, where he is responsible for the overall fundraising activities for The Nauticus Foundation. Since he began in 2005, Nauticus has seen its annual foundation support from corporations, foundations, and individual donors grow to more than $500,000 each year. Before coming to Nauticus, he was associate director of development for Physicians For Peace in Norfolk and worked as a public relations associate for Goldman & Associates, also of Norfolk. Brian holds a B.A. in Journalism from Miami University near Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals chapter, Hampton Roads, and has taught classes in annual fundraising for the development department at Old Dominion University.
Keep your eyes open for information on our April meeting.
April 7, 2010
PRWeb Director of Product Management, Jiyan Wei, will delve into effective SEO practices and answer these most frequently asked questions:
What does optimize mean?
Why is SEO important for PR professionals?
Should I write press releases aimed at people or at search engines?
What signals do search engines look for?
More information will be coming to your inboxes soon!
 About Jiyan Wei
Jiyan is a recent contributor to PR Tactics, and his article titled "Writing with Search Engines in Mind:Putting SEO to Work" was included in the November 2009 edition. As Director of Product Management, Jiyan drives product platform strategy and roadmap execution for PRWeb, the leading online news distribution service. In addition he supports strategic business planning, partnerships, and marketing/sales. Prior to Vocus, Jiyan served as Vice President of Online Services for v-Fluence Public Relations where he was responsible for defining and developing services to monitor and analyze online activity. He earned a BA in English from Georgetown University and Masters in Media/Communications from the London School of Economics where his dissertation focused on media production and consumption in social media communities. He currently sits on the vendor council for the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR) and maintains a blog, New Influencer (www.newinfluencer.com), where he writes about media and technology. |
Get the Most for Your Money
A note regarding meeting reservation cancellations
In this tight economy, every penny counts. That's why we're sorry when a member or guest who registered for a meeting ends up as a no-show. We understand - life happens, and sometimes it's unavoidable.
But, please, if you register for a meeting and then your schedule changes, remember to cancel. The chapter does bill no-shows and cancellations made after noon on the Monday before a meeting. We give a final count to the caterer that day, and we pay for your meal, whether you come or not.
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A message from the President By Mindy Hughes, APR
 Dear PRSA Colleagues:
Connecting with old friends and colleagues is always a pleasure. Social media channels make it easier than ever, but in my opinion, it's hard to beat face-to-face interaction. In the past month, I was reminded twice of how special those kinds of moments can be.
On January 16, I attended Governor McDonnell's inauguration as part of a client project. Because I was "covering" the event, I had media credentials (fun to work on that side of the fence). When I walked into the media center in the state court building, I noticed a woman across the room who looked familiar. After picking up my packet, I looked around to find her. We approached each other, both sporting that "Don't I know you?" look. As we exchanged slightly puzzled greetings, we realized at the same time that we did, indeed, know each other.
Susan Pollard, the Hampton Roads PRSA chapter's most far-flung member, was handling media for the inauguration as part of her communications work with the Virginia Department of General Services. Susan previously worked for the City of Chesapeake, and when she took the job in Richmond several years ago, she kept her chapter membership and usually makes it to one or two events each year. Catching up with Susan that weekend was a real treat. And, my colleague and I appreciated her special care on Saturday morning when she hooked us up with a great vantage point from which to watch all the festivities.
Later in January, I traveled to Springfield, Va., along with board members Teresa Diaz, Sharon Freeman and Becky Lawson, for a Mid-Atlantic District meeting (more about that in a minute). At the meeting, we were delighted to run into a former Hampton Roads chapter member, Heidi Ketler. Heidi worked with Tidewater Builders Association and now lives in Roanoke, running her own PR consulting business and serving as secretary for PRSA's Blue Ridge Chapter. We enjoyed sharing our news with Heidi and hearing what's been happening with her.
Even though my professional life has centered in Hampton Roads for the past 25+ years, it's good to know that there are 22,000 other public relations practitioners scattered around the country. I've never hesitated to contact a PRSA colleague in another city for information or direction. (Just exchanged notes with the Nashville Chapter president last week about a potential program). That's one of the valuable benefits to PRSA membership.
Now, back to the Mid-Atlantic District - PRSA has more than 100 chapters, organized into 10 geographic districts. The districts provide a link between chapters and the national organization, supporting chapters with information and leadership development. Our district includes chapters in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania. The Mid-Atlantic District's history has been a bit sketchy - sometimes active, sometimes not so much. Our current chair, Samantha Villegas from the National Capital Chapter, is a real dynamo who has great expectations for the Mid-Atlantic District.
The meeting we attended was the district's first Quick Start, a leadership rally of sorts to provide chapter leaders with a forum for exchanging best practices on a wide range of topics - strategic planning, programming, engaging volunteers, financial management - and much more. It was also an excellent networking event, and we're excited about how we can implement what we learned to better serve chapter members.
It's shaping up to be a very good year for Hampton Roads PRSA. Thanks to all who have stepped forward to volunteer your time and talents. If you'd like to be part of the action, get in touch - email, phone, text or catch me "face-to-face" at the next meeting.
Best regards,
Mindy
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Welcome New Members
Kate McClain Corporate Communications Titan American LLC Wendy T. Voliva Marketing Manager City of Portsmouth Ashley Hallmark Rubin Communications Group Mary Grace Rogelstad Director, Communications The Up Center Brittani Jo Swindell Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Katherine Espiritu Ciesielski Public Relations Manager Valkyrie Enterprises, LLC Lynette P. James City of Portsmouth  |
Getting to Know You - New Member Profiles Ashley Hallmark, Account Manager, Rubin Communications
College Attended:
University of Central Florida
Hobbies:
Traveling, running, anything outdoors, currently learning to play the guitar
Favorite Food:
Mexican
Favorite Travel Destination:
Europe - Would love to go to Greece someday.
Pet(s):
Cat (Murray)
Fascinating / unknown fact about yourself:
I grew up in Hampton Roads and moved back to the area after living in Florida for 9 years.
I've known my fiancé since we were in 5th grade.
I am in no way related to the owners of the Hallmark card store chain; not even the "Ashley's Hallmark" in Suffolk!
Mary Rogelstad, Director of Communications, The Up Center
College Attended:
B.A. in Communications, University of Dayton; Study Abroad Program, Boston University; M.S. in Television/Radio/Film, Syracuse University
Hobbies:
Singing, Playing Sports
Favorite Food:
Cheese
Favorite Travel Destination:
Santorini, Greece
Pet(s):
None-My oldest daughter is allergic to animals with fur. She developed asthma after being placed in a classroom with a guinea pig.
Fascinating / unknown facts about yourself:
My personal email was subpoenaed in a rezoning case when I organized an effort to stop a big box development next to my old neighborhood in Georgia. I had to turn over dozens of emails from my neighbors and sit through a seven hour deposition. In the end, the developer built houses on the land.
I almost embarrassed myself years ago when I worked at CNN International. I was running late on producing a show because the Secret Service had delayed my access to the newsroom. I was busy looking at video on a machine when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Thinking it was my Associate Producer, I spun around to say "What!?" A word never left my mouth though because standing there with an outstretched hand was Al Gore with every big wig at CNN and Time Warner behind him.
I helped open a new school in Georgia. The project was a real world introduction to the public relations side of the communications world.
Nearly three years ago, we decided to move to Virginia after driving overnight from Georgia to Hampton Roads with three kids in tow. Several friendly locals helped seal my husband's decision to accept a job offer and for us to move here.
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Help Us Keep in Contact with You
The PRSA membership directory is our first line of contact for all of our members. Just think of the opportunity you could miss out on if someone can't find your email address or phone number. It is important to keep your membership profile current with up to date employment and contact information.
So help us keep tabs on you by updating your profile on the membership directory today. Don't forget to include your picture! |
Chapter Pinnacle Awards - Call for Entries
Each year, the Pinnacle Awards recognize the best public relations practices and tactics in the Hampton Roads region. There are two main categories for the Pinnacle competition:
1) Public Relations Tactics and 2) Public Relations Programs. Entries are divided by budget - $3,500 and above and $3,499 and below. In addition, two individuals will be recognized for their professional achievements: Public Relations Professional of the Year and Rising Star. Award recipients will be honored at this year's Pinnacle Awards dinner on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
Entries are due, not postmarked, by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 26.You may download the entry guidelines at www.prsahr.org. For specific questions, contact: Elizabeth Dyer at (757) 385-6646 or Edyer@vbgov.com or Ron Kuhlman at RKuhlman@vbgov.com or (757) 385-6645.
PREPARING A WINNING ENTRY
Why Enter PR Contests?
Winning awards in public relations competitions:
· Validates the success of projects and initiatives
· Reinforces the value of public relations programs
· Underscores your importance to the organization
· Reinforces basic public relations principles of problem-solving, research, setting
objectives and documenting results
· Makes you feel good about yourself and the job you are doing
Don't Irritate the Judges (And More Tips)
· Contests of this nature are often highly competitive. A poorly-written entry will sink a good project, just as a well-written entry cannot win an award for a mediocre program.
· Enter your project in the right category.
· Follow the entry guidelines carefully. If the entry guidelines ask entrants to describe specific elements (problem statement, target audience, objectives, etc.), it's a sure bet these areas will actually be listed on the judging sheets.
· Address each element individually and specifically.
· Don't make the judges hunt and peck. Use subheads and bullets to make program description easier to read.
· Don't be afraid to be honest - if you had a problem to overcome, say so!
· Don't be trite. Avoid overused phrases like "unique opportunity."
· Be forthright. Don't try to impress the judges by bamboozling them with bureaucratic or textbook terms.
· Use human check! Spell check programs often miss grammatical errors and homonyms. Ask someone else to proof your entry if possible.
· Don't forget to include support materials (letters, newspaper clippings, etc.), if applicable, that help document your results. But...
· ...don't overwhelm the judges with unnecessary paper. Pick the best of your support documents to include in your entry package.
Save Yourself Some Time
· If you think you might be working on an award-winning project, keep a file in which you can stash all your notes, newspaper clippings, check lists, letters, etc. It's much easier to assemble the entry with this in hand than to try to pull it all together on deadline, particularly if several months have passes since the completion of the project.
· If you plan on entering the same project into other competitions, make extra copies of your support materials at one time.
· Make a hard copy of your entry for future reference.
And Finally....
....it's all subjective. Judges are human, and each of us has different likes, perspectives and background. It's common for a project to win one competition and not even place finish in another. Keep it in perspective, and keep trying!
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PRSA HR Member Speaks at NSU
By Keona Prude, Public Relations Director, PRSSA NSU
Meredith Mobley is a great example of how hard work and persistence can lead to a prosperous life after college graduation. Mobley recently spoke to Norfolk State University's Public Relations Student Society of America members and Dr. Marcia Taylor's Public Relations Writing class on January 27, 2010.
She stressed the importance of being a go-getter, striving for excellence at all times, and the significance of having internships under your belt. "Having multiple internships is a wonderful thing because they provide hands-on experience," said Mobley.
The 2005 Hampton University graduate believes that a student who is serious about their future career should intern while a freshman.
Mobley also discussed the importance of joining national and local organizations such as PRSA, PRSSA, and NABJ because they provide information and resources to help with career development, such as jobs and internships.
She reminded students that being a member of different professional societies will make them look good to potential employers. It gives a resume some added flavor or spice.
Currently, Meredith Mobley works as the Marketing Communications Coordinator at For Rent Media Solutions. She previously interned for the DIY Network and the Virginia Zoological Park. She currently serves as a member of PRSA Hampton Roads Board. | |
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