The Public Relations Site

ENCINITAS: City manager asks for citizen survey, public relations expert

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:56:02 +0000

The city manager of Encinitas wants to hire a public relations
expert and also survey residents to gauge their satisfaction with
city services.

“I believe community outreach is important and I’d like to bring
some organization to that,” City Manager Gus Vina told the City Council last
week as he presented a midyear budget report and talked about money
he’d like to spend in the coming year.

Vina, who became Encinitas city manager last summer, said he
wasn’t just looking for what he described as a “traditional” city
public information officer who deals with TV and newspaper
reporters.

He wants someone who also can help the city organize community
meetings, particularly ones related to its controversial effort to
update its general plan
—- a citywide document that spells out how Encinitas will handle
everything from low-income housing needs to traffic congestion in
the coming decades.

And, Vina said, he wants someone who is well versed in new
Internet-based communication, such as expanding the use of the
city’s website.

“We need to maximize the technology we already have,” he
said.

Vina stressed that he wasn’t proposing to add another employee
to the city’s payroll, but rather to restructure a now-vacant
position and turn that into the public relations job. He said he
will be working with the city’s human resources department in the
coming months on a job reclassification request.

As he made his pitch for a city publicist, Vina said there were
many things the city does well, but the way it communicates with
residents could be improved. Council critics agree with him —-
they’ve raised concerns in recent years about everything from the
way the city releases public documents to the way the council
selects its mayor each year.

However, hiring a public relations person isn’t likely to solve
the city’s troubles, said Donna Westbrook, a frequent council
meeting attendee known for her watchdog activism.

“We have gone through this before —- we don’t need a public
information officer,” she told the council, commenting that
Encinitas had such a person years ago when former city manager
Kerry Miller ran the city.

Miller was Encinitas city manager from 1999 to 2006.

While Westbrook questioned the need for a city publicity expert,
council members had many questions about Vina’s other request —-
the community satisfaction survey.

Councilwoman Teresa Barth said she wanted to see the sample
questions and wondered what benefit the city would get out of the
survey.

“We’ve had surveys before and they’ve tended to be just warm and
fuzzy,” she said.

She also asked whether Vina was proposing to do the survey every
year or whether this was more of a one-time thing. Vina responded
that the frequency of the survey would depend on the first-year
results. If the results aren’t so good, the city will need to make
improvements and re-survey residents soon to find out whether its
changes are having the desired effect, he said.

Others on the council told Vina that conducting a survey this
year was a bad idea because it’s an election year. Wait until early
2013, “after the hype of the 2012 election,” Councilman Jim Bond
said.

Call Barbara Henry at 760-901-4072.

Furia Rubel Marketing Promotes Leah Ludwig to Account Director

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:56:01 +0000

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DOYLESTOWN, PA – Furia Rubel (www.furiarubel.com), an award-winning Bucks County marketing and public relations agency celebrating its 10th year in business, is pleased to announce the promotion of Leah Ludwig from Senior Account Manager to Account Director. A Furia Rubel employee since 2005, Ludwig serves as a managing liaison between Furia Rubel clients and the agency’s marketing and public relations teams. She handles client relations, strategic planning, account management, media relations, message evaluation, tracking and measurement, corporate social responsibility programs and social media engagement.

“Leah’s passion for her work consistently translates into outstanding results achieved on behalf of our clients,” stated Furia Rubel President and CEO Gina F. Rubel, Esq. “Her insight, energy, strategic vision and flawless execution have helped Furia Rubel achieve the growth and recognition that we enjoy today. Leah is truly an integral and valued member of our team.”

Ludwig handles strategic planning, online communications and media relations for Citrin Cooperman; Feldman Shepherd; Peacock Keller; Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.; Williams & Hand, P.C.; and Willig, Williams & Davidson. Her penchant for media relations is particularly noteworthy, as she has a knack for identifying strong news hooks and garnering exceptional media coverage. Ludwig works tirelessly with the press to generate targeted and effective stories while raising the brand profile and awareness for Furia Rubel clients.

Ludwig is also passionate about giving back to the community. The numerous nonprofit and corporate social responsibility programs that benefit from her energy and managerial panache include the Hepatitis B Foundation and its Hep B Free Philadelphia citywide and community-owned education campaign, and GlaxoSmithKline’s IMPACT Awards in Philadelphia. In addition, Ludwig oversees the agency’s pro bono nonprofit accounts – one of which is Deep Run Mennonite Church East, their missions programs and the Strides for Mission 5K run. Ludwig has spent several weeks in Honduras on mission trips with the church, helping to care for malnourished children and families.

Ludwig is a Hepatitis B Foundation 2012 Crystal Ball Committee member and serves as chair of her church’s Mission Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County, Public Relations Society of America and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, where she previously served on the Publicity Committee. Ludwig graduated from Susquehanna University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Celebrating its 10th year in business in 2012, the woman-owned certified agency consists of specialists who provide strategic planning, marketing, public relations, graphic design, websites, social media and media relations to a wide array of professional clients. Furia Rubel represents law firms, technology companies, educational and religious organizations, financial service, accounting and tax providers, nonprofits, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and elder care companies. For more information about the company, visit www.furiarubel.com.

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Shabnam Asthana wins India's top public relations award

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:44:48 +0000

Asthana, who is the chairperson of the Pune chapter of the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI ), also received the “Best (PRCI) Chapter award.

Member of Parliament and former editor-in-chief of The Times Of India, the Indian Express, the Hindustan Times and the Tribune, Mr. H.K.Dua, presented the award to Ms. Asthana at a function held at Mumbai’s Hotel Trident.

Ms. Asthana is also the Director of Empowered Solutions Pune and Director Public Relations and Marketing (Global Operations) IND TV USA California. She was selected from Pune for the award, which was conferred on her “in keen recognition of her outstanding services and key contributions made to the profession, industry and society at large over the years.”

Speaking after being honoured with the award, Ms. Asthana said: “This honour has given me the impetus to perform even better, to surpass and outstrip the successful yesterdays with more successful tomorrows.”

She said she would continue to put in her best and “live up to the confidence and trust reposed in me by such a reputed body as the PRCI.”

Among the other eminent personalities present on the occasion were K Subramanyam, Director General of Police Maharashtra, Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, Mumbai, and Arnab Goswami, Editor In Chief of Times Now, Mumbai.

The PRCI’s Hall of Fame award is seen as the ultimate reward for public relation professionals.

The Public Relations Council of India ( PRCI ) is a non-political organisation of professionals in the field of public relations, communications, advertising , education and many other allied services providing industry professionals an opportunity to serve their community by encouraging high ethical standards in their respective areas of work.

It is the first forum to offer accreditation to professionals in their stream.

A laudable initiative of the PRCI is the Annual Chanakya Awards – Hall of Fame Awards. The Hall of Fame Award is a very big event for the public relations fraternity, where every year, highly experienced and super performers are honoured. (ANI)

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ENCINITAS: City manager asks for citizen survey, public relations expert

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:44:47 +0000

The city manager of Encinitas wants to hire a public relations
expert and also survey residents to gauge their satisfaction with
city services.

And, Vina said, he wants someone who is well versed in new
Internet-based communication, such as expanding the use of the
city’s website.

“We need to maximize the technology we already have,” he
said.

However, hiring a public relations person isn’t likely to solve
the city’s troubles, said Donna Westbrook, a frequent council
meeting attendee known for her watchdog activism.

Miller was Encinitas city manager from 1999 to 2006.

While Westbrook questioned the need for a city publicity expert,
council members had many questions about Vina’s other request —-
the community satisfaction survey.

Councilwoman Teresa Barth said she wanted to see the sample
questions and wondered what benefit the city would get out of the
survey.

“We’ve had surveys before and they’ve tended to be just warm and
fuzzy,” she said.

Call Barbara Henry at 760-901-4072.

R&J Public Relations Promotes Leann Moczydlowski to Account Executive

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:59:24 +0000

Bridgewater, NJ (PRWEB) February 16, 2012

R&J Public Relations, LLC, a leading brand-building public relations agency based in Bridgewater, N.J., announces the promotion of Leann Moczydlowski to Account Executive. In her new position, she will play a vital role in the development and execution of strategic public relations programs designed to meet and exceed the needs of R&J’s growing business-to-business client base. Moczydlowski joined the agency in February 2011 as an Account Coordinator.

“Leann has proven to be a very effective and thoughtful practitioner, and has grown within her position throughout the course of her year here at R&J,” said John Lonsdorf, President of R&J. “Her communication skills continue to impress, and she has shown herself to be more than just a terrific tactician, but also a strategic resource for her clients. She has already effectively guided a number of important projects and initiatives through the agency, and we are supremely confident that her growth as a professional will continue.”

Moczydlowski, a South Plainfield, N.J. resident, graduated summa cum laude from Monmouth University in January 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English and a minor in Public Relations. A member of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, she received recognition upon graduation for having the highest GPA within her department.

About R&J Public Relations

R&J Public Relations, LLC is a full-service public relations firm that consistently achieves superior results for a strong and diverse client base that ranges from divisions of large, multi-national conglomerates to regional market leaders. Based in Bridgewater, N.J., with an office in Manhattan, the company has become one of the most respected, admired and prestigious PR agencies in the Greater New York/New Jersey region. R&J has earned numerous awards for its strategic communications programs and was named a “Top Place to Work in PR” by PR News in 2010. For more information on R&J Public Relations, please visit http://www.randjpr.com.

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Lesson for Najib: Don't turn Public Relations into Public Deception

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:59:23 +0000

There has been much news in the air and in print, lately, and in particular in the foreign media circuit.

13 Companies to Present at the RedChip Small-Cap Virtual Conference

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:33:23 +0000

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RedChip Companies, Inc. (“RedChip“), an international, small-cap research and financial public relations firm, today announced that its Small-Cap Virtual Conference will take place February 15 and 16, 2012 starting at 9:45 a.m. Eastern time.

The virtual conference will feature investment-driven presentations from the CEOs and CFOs of 13 small-cap public companies. Presentations last approximately 30 minutes and are followed by a Q&A session. Presenting companies range across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors, including oil & gas, healthcare, Internet services, mining, consumer goods and more.

The presentations will be webcast live at http://www.RedChip.com and archived for a minimum of 30 days. Presenting companies include:

– Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Ltd. (NYSE Amex:LPH)

– L & L Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:LLEN – News)

– Blue Earth, Inc. (OTCBB:BBLU.OB – News)

– SMTP, Inc. (OTCBB:SMTP.OB – News)

For a full presentation schedule, please visit http://www.RedChip.com/virtualconference.

Semyon Dukach will deliver his keynote presentation, “From Blackjack to Micro-Caps: A Journey of Calculated Risk,” on Thursday, February 16 at noon EST. Mr. Dukach is a former member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) blackjack team, whose card-counting exploits were detailed in the books “Busting Vegas” and “Bringing Down the House.” He currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of SMTP, Inc. (OTCBB:SMTP.OB – News), a leading global provider of email delivery and cloud-based messaging services. SMTP delivers outbound emails for roughly ten thousand companies from more than 120 countries worldwide. Mr. Dukach holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University and an M.S. in Computer Science from MIT.

To register to view the webcast presentations at their scheduled times, visit http://www.RedChip.com/virtualconference. Start times are subject to change.

About RedChip Companies, Inc.

RedChip Companies is an international, small-cap research and financial public relations firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida; with affiliate offices in Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. RedChip delivers concrete, measurable results for its clients through its extensive global network of small-cap institutional and retail investors. RedChip has developed the most comprehensive platform of products and services for small-cap companies, including: RedChip Research(TM), Traditional Investor Relations, Digital Investor Relations, Institutional and Retail Conferences, RedChip Small-Cap TV(TM), Shareholder Intelligence, Social Media and Blogging Services, Webcasts, and RedChip Radio(TM). To learn more about RedChip’s products and services, please visit: http://www.redchip.com/visibility/productsandservices.asp.

“Discovering Tomorrow’s Blue Chips Today”(TM)

The RedChip Companies, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2761

Public relations professional presents lecture for deceased southeast journalism student

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:33:21 +0000

Public relations professional Byron McCauley will present the annual Michael Davis Lecture at Southeast Missouri State University on Feb. 29.

This lecture began in 1995 as the Department of Mass Media’s way to honor deceased journalism student Michael Davis.

Davis was an African-American, nontraditional journalism student who died Feb. 15, 1994, in a hazing incident involving the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

“The goal is to really highlight what Michael’s life would have been had he been able to live and graduate and begin working professionally,” said Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, assistant professor of journalism at Southeast, who worked with Davis at the Arrow at the time of his death.

McCauley is the public relations director at KnowledgeWorks and will speak about the lessons he has learned throughout his mass media career and how his small-town roots prepared him for the challenges of life.

According to McCauley, the main point of his lecture is to teach students to “maximize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, never give up on your dreams and don’t compromise while getting there.”

“I feel a duty to help younger people, especially those who will become the next great set of journalists in the United States,” McCauley said. “If I can inspire anyone to personally succeed and while making things better for others, I will do that.”

McCauley was involved in the journalism field for 20 years prior to his role at KnowledgeWorks. He worked as a state and business reporter for the Arkansas Gazette, where he worked with Southeast assistant professor of journalism Dr. Ann White.

McCauley was also the editorial page editor for The Times in Shreveport, La. The page won best editorial page in 2001 and 2002 under his leadership. McCauley served as assistant editor for the Cincinnati Enquirer. While there, he won second place in the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists Best Editorial Campaign. He won Ohio Writer of the Year for an editorial series on gun violence in Cincinnati in 2006.

He has also served as executive speechwriter at Cintas Corporation as well as an adjunct assistant professor of journalism at the University of Cincinnati.

Southeast’s mass media department plans to continue the tradition of inviting speakers to honor Davis and inspire students for the future.

“Michael’s legacy hasn’t died,” Buck said. “He was a good person, a good journalist. Honoring that I don’t think has a time limit. We continue to honor his legacy through this series, not only to show that diversity is still important in mass media, but also we are showing that people of color are succeeding. It’s not about race, gender or ethnicity, it’s about being a mass media professional. That’s something that was important to Michael when he was alive, and it is still important today.”

Groupon Hires Taaffe to Improve Coupon Site’s Public Face

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:18:44 +0000

February 12, 2012, 10:21 AM EST

By Douglas MacMillan

(Updates with Taaffe’s location in 10th paragraph.)

Feb. 9 (Bloomberg) — Groupon Inc. hired public-relations executive Paul Taaffe to run communications for the daily-deal site, which has had several publicity mishaps in the last year.

Taaffe, 50, was previously chairman and chief executive officer of Hill & Knowlton, a unit of WPP Plc, before he resigned from the post in January 2011.

Groupon has endured marketing gaffes in the last 12 months, from controversial Super Bowl commercials to violations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s so-called quiet period rules for public offerings. The company, which held an IPO in November, is still learning how to communicate with the public, Taaffe said in a telephone interview today.

“It’s a disruptive company and it’s one of the fastest- growing companies on the planet,” said Taaffe. “I saw the opportunity to help manage that growth and tell Groupon’s story better.”

Taaffe succeeds Brad Williams, the veteran of EBay Inc. and Yahoo Inc. who last year became Groupon’s spokesman and stayed just a few months before leaving.

After 20 years at a public-relations agency, Taaffe has begun working with Andrew Mason, the 31-year-old Groupon chief executive officer and co-founder known for his office pranks and an edgy sense of humor that has become part of the company’s brand.

Groupon was faulted a year ago after airing Super Bowl advertisements that critics said made light of repression in Tibet. Mason later apologized for the ads and had them pulled.

‘Wildly Profitable’

Prior to the company’s public debut, Co-founder and Chairman Eric Lefkofsky told Bloomberg News he expected the company to become “wildly profitable.’’ That caught the attention of the SEC, which limits what companies can say about future prospects to potential investors between the time they file for an IPO and when shares start trading. Groupon later updated its filing to tell investors to disregard the comments.

Taaffe will work with Mason as the young CEO gains experience running a publicly traded company, Taaffe said.

“I think he is incredibly talented and despite his still- young age I think he has matured quickly,” Taaffe said.

Groupon agreed to let Taaffe remain in New York while planning frequent visits to the company’s headquarters in Chicago and technology operations in Palo Alto, California, he said.

Groupon fell 14 percent to $21.17 at the close in New York, after it reported a fourth-quarter loss yesterday, excluding certain costs, of 2 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had projected profit of 3 cents. The company had priced its shares at $20 apiece in its November IPO.

–Editors: Niamh Ring, Bob Brennan

To contact the reporter on this story: Douglas MacMillan in San Francisco at dmacmillan3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net

Luc Beauregard: The art of staying on message

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:18:44 +0000

The founder and builder of Canada’s largest public relations firm balances old-media savvy with the challenges of today’s new-media world