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PRSA-LA L.A. Connect


February 2010  

Message from the President
ConneXions Multi-Location Mixers Return
"State of the State of PR" Event Wrap-Up
PRSA New Member Promotion
Get Involved!
Sponsor Event: Media Training Seminar
Member News
Online Resource Directory
Member Milestones
Mark Your Calendar
Welcome New Members
Publicity Volunteers Wanted
Job Listings

 

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2010 PRSA-LA
Board of Directors

 
 

PRESIDENT

 

Eric Moses

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

PRESIDENT-ELECT
  
Brian O’Connor

Cunard Line

 


VICE PRESIDENT/ TREASURER


 Alfredo E. Padilla

Comerica Bank, Western Market

 
 

VICE PRESIDENT/ SECRETARY

 

Josefina Mora

Playhouse District Association

 

 

VICE PRESIDENT

 

Erik Deutsch
ExcelPR Group

 

Victoria Lelash, APR
PainePR

 

Dennis Kaiser
ValleyCrest Landscape Companies



IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

 

Rita Tateel

The Celebrity Source

 

 

DIRECTORS

Steven Chavez

Ketchum


Kathleen Flood

MWW Group

 

Holly Ferris
Ferris Communications

 

Michael J. Furtney, APR,
Fellow PRSA

Killeen Furtney Group

Daryl R. McCullough
PainePR


John Musella
Newhall Land

 

Tim Scerba

GolinHarris

 

Kerry Slaughter

Chandler Chicco Agency


Tod Tamberg

Archdiocese of Los Angeles


Karen White, APR

Amgen


Denis Wolcott, APR

The Wolcott Company


Robert J. Wolff

Bank of the West

 

 

ASSEMBLY DELEGATES

 

Peter Hidalgo, APR

Time Warner Cable
 
Gregory Jenkins, APR

Bravo Productions

 

Sallie Olmsted, APR

Rogers & Cowan

 

Stefan Pollack
Pollack PR Marketing Group

 

Ron W. Roecker

Enfluence Group 

Phyllis Tucker

Hill & Knowlton


Dawn Wilcox, APR
Allison & Partners

 


 

 

 

 

 

Resource Links

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Event Video Highlights

 

 

 

L.A. Connect
is published by
PRSA-LA
11271 Ventura Blvd. #514
Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 818-761-5575
prsala@aol.com
www.prsala.org
 
 

Erik Deutsch
Editor
323-851-2455
erikd@excelpr.com

 
 
Philip Sokoloski
Assoc. Editor
213-977-8630
 
 
(c) 2010 PRSA-LA
 

 

 

 


prsa la logo 

The Los Angeles Area Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is comprised of more than 500 public relations professionals representing many L.A.-area corporations, public relations agencies, independent practitioners, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Our diverse membership benefits from PRSA-LA’s educational and networking opportunities, as well as  services such as job listings, referral programs, internship opportunities, chapter meetings and other resources.

 
 
Milestones
 
1948
PRSA-LA incorporated as one of PRSA’s first five founding chapters. Bob Roberts elected first chapter president.
 
1955
PRSA-LA hosts the national PRSA Annual Conference. More than 1,100 PR pros attend at the Ambassador Hotel.
 
1964
PRSA-LA holds the first annual PRism Awards competition and banquet.
 
1965
PRSA-LA elects its first woman president, Pat Penney.
 
1970  
PRSA-LA Executive Director Barbara Shore is hired to run the chapter’s day-to-day operations – a position she still holds 38 years later.
 
1985  
PRSA-LA awards the first Joseph Roos Award to recognize PR professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary community service.

 
1988
PRSA-LA members Eric Stoltz and Tom Trevett form PRSA’s first Young Professionals (YP) section.

 
1989  
PRSA-LA awards the first Don Perkins Grant to fund PR services for worthy nonprofit organizations.  
 
1990  
PRSA-LA and the Annenberg School for Communication hold the first Kenneth Owler Smith (KOS) Symposium named after the beloved USC professor.

2003
PRSA-LA holds its first IPG (Independent Practitioners Group) Meeting.

 
2004  
PRSA-LA Board Member Dawn Wilcox, APR stages the first Quality Time with PR Minds event and creates a model program for assisting nonprofits that is emulated by other PRSA chapters.

2008
PRSA-LA Celebrates its 60th Anniversary with the largest gathering of past presidents in the chapter’s history. More than 20 past presidents chronicle their recollections about the history of the chapter.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

uncle sam small

 

Please send submissions to L.A. Connect Editor
Erik Deutsch at erikd@excelpr.com
or Assoc. Editor Philip Sokoloski at  psokoloski@filmla.com.
 
 


Dear PRSA-LA Member,    
Eric Moses, PRSA-LA President 

What would you do if a producer from the new CBS reality series "Undercover Boss" wanted your CEO or client to be featured in an upcoming episode?


Having seen episodes where the president of Waste Management sorted recyclables and the CEO of Hooters filled buckets of wing sauce, how could you persuade your boss to appear on the show? Reality TV is unpredictable, and such an appearance could expose the company to a PR debacle that turns away customers. But if you think it would be a PR coup, how would you make the business case for such coverage?


Membership in PRSA gives you access to tools that can help you answer the tough questions your company’s senior executives are likely to ask in such situations. For example, the recently launched Business Case for Public Relations toolkit is a uniquely worthwhile resource. It includes essays, white papers, data and measurement tools to help you demonstrate the value of PR to senior management and get the greenlight to pursue key opportunities — even those as unusual as "Undercover Boss."


If you’re not a PRSA-LA member, it’s easy to join and gain access to such resources. In March, there’s even more incentive, as PRSA will run a promotion that pays your first year local chapter dues. That’s an $80 savings for new members. Visit www.PRSALA.org and click on "membership" for more info.

 


Eric Moses, PRSA-LA President
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

ericmosesprsa@yahoo.com

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See you at the March ConneXions mixer!

1 Night.

5 Locations.

Unlimited Networking!

ConneXions Mixers Return March 3rd!

L.A. is a very big place. That’s why PRSA-LA will hold its next ConneXions Networking Mixer at multiple area locations on March 3rd.

The series of mixers will be held simultaneously at five different area hotspots, including venues in Long Beach, Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Santa Monica.  

They’re free to attend, and guests will have an opportunity to network, meet PRSA-LA’s leadership, learn about the organization and win some great door prizes.

Please RSVP directly to the host at the location you wish to attend. Click here for details.

 

Sponsored by:

PR Newswire

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"State of the State of PR" Wrap-Up

 
 

2010 "State of the State of PR" Panelists

Photo: Panelists (from left) Frank Mottek of KNX-AM, Fred Muir of Rose & Kindel, Patricia Fregoso-Cox of Time Warner Cable, Dani Dudeck of MySpace, Eric Moses of Occidental Petroleum Corp. (PRSA-LA President), Josh Gertler of Consensus Inc., and Colleen Haggerty of Bank of America

 
 

This year’s installment of PRSA-LA‘s annual "State of the State of PR" event was held on January 27th at the Omni Hotel. The focus was on what lies ahead for L.A. PR pros and the industry as a whole in 2010.

About 120 PRSA-LA members and guests attended the panel discussion, which was moderated by Frank Mottek, host of the KNX Business Hour. The panel featured Dani Dudek from My Space, Patricia Fregoso-Cox from Time Warner Cable, Colleen Haggerty from Bank of America, Fred Muir from Burson-Marsteller and Josh Gertler from Consensus, Inc.

The discussion began with frank talk about the difficulties agencies continue to face retaining clients amid the economic downturn. The panelists agreed that while such challenges will remain in 2010, there will be cause for hope as the year progresses, so long as PR pros are willing to fight for their rightful place at the table (whether it’s with clients or in-house management).

Of course the panelists touched on the rise of online social media and the decline of traditional media. There was consensus that the traditional media business will get worse before it gets better.

Other hot topics covered include how to adapt to the social media frenzy, and how to deal with the crises that can emanate from this brave new world.

Video highlights from the panel can be viewed on PRSA-LA’s Web site. In addition, freelance writer Alison Stateman has a nice round-up of the event in PRSA’s Public Relations Tactics.

by Cassio Trevisani, PR Manager, Hair & Compounds, Inc

 

Event sponsored by:

 

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PRSA New Member Promotion

 

March-April is a great time to join (or rejoin)

 

Yes!  Tell Me More About PRSA Member BenefitsWant to enhance your career, expand your network or find your next job? PRSA can help you achieve these goals, and there has never been a better time to join!

PRSA offers three levels of membership. Simply visit the Membership Section on PRSA’s Web site and select the type that best matches your experience in the field.

During March and April, those who join PRSA National at the "Member" level are eligible for a year of free membership in their local chapter (an $80 value for the Los Angeles Area Chapter). While you’re at it, also consider adding a Professional Interest Section to your membership. PRSA offers 16 Professional Interest Sections, and enrollment is open to all members.

PRSA membership can help you:

    • Stay on top of emerging trends and industry news

    • Meet colleagues, engage with experts and receive professional support

    • Learn about new business/job leads

    • Enjoy member-only benefits, including discounts on professional development seminars, conferences and events

    • Participate in industry leadership and awards programs

    • Accelerate your career at any level


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 get involved

Did you know that PRSA-LA has 16 different committees that offer members a range of leadership opportunities? Becoming actively involved with one or more of these committees is a great way for you to increase your business network, gain new professional skills and develop lasting relationships. You can view a list of committee descriptions (along with board liaison contact info) on the PRSA-LA Web site.

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Paid Advertisement

 

Featured Company/Event

 

LA Media Training Seminar on March 6th!

If you or your clients are in need of media training but can’t find the budget, this seminar is for you!


For more than a decade, MediaWorks Resource Group has provided best-in-class private media training for Los Angeles area companies. Now MediaWorks is offering a rare full-day seminar specifically for individuals.

 

Mark Bernheimer – MediaWorks’ founder/principal (and former CNN correspondent) – will put you through your paces with hyper-realistic on-camera interview drills customized just for you.


Enrollment is limited. Sign up before Wednesday, March 3rd to get your $50 PRSA-LA discount! For more information, visit the seminar Web site.

 

 Visit the MediaWorks company website
(310) 806-9470
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MEMBER/AGENCY NEWS

Do you or a colleague have professional news to share? Did you get promoted or receive an honor or award? Did your agency win new business? If so, let us know so we can share the good news with your fellow PRSA-LA members.

 
Please e-mail info to L.A. Connect Editor Erik Deutsch at erikd@excelpr.com or Assoc. Editor Philip Sokoloski at psokoloski@filmla.com.



Bravo Scores Earth Day Gig 

Greg Jenkins, APR

Long Beach-based Bravo Productions has been selected to produce an ambitious Earth Day celebration for the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. The free interactive event will help the public learn how to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. The Sanitation Districts are a confederation of 24 independent agencies working cooperatively to serve the wastewater treatment and solid waste management needs of 5.3 million L.A. County residents. Bravo Partner Greg Jenkins, APR expects the event on April 17th to attract more than 4,000 people.

 

 

Wolcott Tapped for Water District Project

Denis Wolcott, APR

The Wolcott Company of Santa Clarita has been hired by the Foothill Municipal Water District to conduct a public outreach and awareness campaign for the district’s $60 million long-range water supply and reliability program. The public outreach campaign will focus on securing support for the program and a proposed bond measure to pay for part of the upgrades.

___________________________________________

 

Looking for Project Suppliers?

Find Them with PRSA-LA’s Online Resource Directory
Visit PRSA-LA's Online Resource Directory
Did you know PRSA-LA publishes an online Resource Directory of suppliers that cater to local PR professionals?

 

The Directory lists and provides links to qualified suppliers in a range of categories. Best of all, you can browse the entire directory right from the chapter’s Web site.

 

If you’re a supplier interested in reaching local PR professionals, click here to access the directory registration form. PRSA-LA members are also encouraged to help get the word out by telling service providers about this valuable marketing opportunity.

 

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MEMBER MILESTONES

 
Pollack Turns 25 with Year-Long Celebration

Pollack PR Marketing Group Turns 25!The Pollack PR Marketing Group (PPMG) is marking its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration that includes publishing a list of the 25 most defining PR moments of the past quarter century.

The Century City-based agency was founded by Noemi Pollack and Paul Setzer on March 25, 1985, in an era Pollack describes as "the analog age" before the Internet, e-mail and cell phones. Over the years, it has served clients ranging from innovative start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on consumer products, technologies and services. In 1999, PPMG became a partner in The WORLDCOM Public Relations Group – a consortium of 110 agencies and 2,200 PR professionals in 94 markets worldwide.

PPMG began posting its list of the 25 most defining PR moments in January, and will continue add to the list – as well as publish related videos and guest blog posts – on the 25th of each month. The first guest post was from futurist and author David Houle (related content can be viewed on the PPMG Web site).

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Mark Your Calendar for PRSA Events!Mark Your Calendar
  


Wed, March 3
PRSA-LA ConneXions Mixer
Five Area Locations (see details)

Thu, March 25
Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Wed, April 14
At Breakfast With…
Details TBA


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Welcome New Members

 
 
Melody Babaian

 

Vanessa A. Barrientos
TCM Group 

 
Dani Dudeck

MySpace

 
Mark Giberson

 

 

Ernest Greene

University of Southern California

Erica Howard

Northrop Grumman

Negin N. Kamali

GolinHarris

JoLee Ann Liepman

GolinHarris 

 
Alexis Ann Linn

GolinHarris

 
Katherine Susanne McDonald

Time Warner Cable

 

Kirsten Marlis Schmidt

Berlin Tourism Marketing, North America

Jessica L. Tullman

Subaru of America

 
John Vlautin

SpinLab

 
Mabel Zhang

CCG Investor Relations 
 
 
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Publicity Volunteers Wanted for Charity Event 

 

Speak the Truth LogoHuman Rights Campaign is seeking volunteers to help with media relations for their upcoming gala on March 13th at the Hyatt Regency in Century City. Volunteers are needed to assist with media outreach and follow up, as well as on-site press check-in and press escorting to the red carpet for celebrity/VIP arrivals. Confirmed guests include Kathy Griffin, Portia de Rossi and Senator Barbara Boxer.

 

For more info on the event visit www.hrcladinner.com. If you would like to volunteer, contact Pearson Brown at kpearsonbrown@sbcglobal.net and include a brief description of your experience and how you wish to participate.

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Attention Employers!

PRSA-LA Job Listings
PRSA Job Listings Get Results
The job listings section of PRSA-LA’s Web site is a great resource for reaching qualified PR professionals seeking employment. Listings are free to post, and remain on the site for 30 days (renewable upon request). Click here to post a job.