vertical logoWriter's Week
 Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
 Feb. 25, 2011  (Next deadline March 2)  
  
President's Message

 

Our next program: "Wikileaks, the First Amendment & Journalistic Ethics" 

Cleveland SPJ Members and guests are invited to our next program, which will take place on the second floor at Johnny's Little Bar (on the alley behind and above
Johnny's Downtown), on March 24
Claudia Taller
 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Past President Cliff Anthony and Board Member Anup Kumar will lead a discussion entitled "Wikileaks, First Amendment and Journalistic Ethics." 

The cash bar will be open, and we'll have pizza and veggies and hang out for the evening. The topic came up at a board meeting and there was quite an informed and philosophical exchange between the two local journalism professors - we just had to invite all of you into the fray!

The cost is $10/person, which will cover the Eventbrite registration cost and pay for the pizza and bartender. We will have an online registration site soon, and will provide a link in the next Writer's Week. We hope you can make it! 

 

Claudia Taller

SPJ President, Cleveland Chapter   

Deadline TODAY to enter your work
for the 2011 Ohio SPJ Awards


Get those entries off for "Ohio's Best Journalism" - SPJ's statewide contest for print, broadcast, online, trade and college journalists. The deadline is Feb. 25 (it must be postmarked by that date) which is TODAY!

The official Call for Entries is available online here. Download the awards program PDF, read the rules and regs and print the forms that follow those. And please share this information with others in your organization!

We are lining up SPJ chapters in other states to serve as judges this year.  Your work makes their judging effort well worthwhile.
 

Sunshine Summit tomorrow!

Plan to attend the Ohio University SPJ and RTDNA chapters' "Sunshine Summit," bringing together student journalists and professionals from Ohio and beyond to discuss press freedom issues confronting student journalists.

The conference will include a series of panels, guest speakers and breakout sessions that will educate journalists throughout Ohio about current laws regarding access to information, university policies and how to protect the FOI rights of student journalists. 

The summit is Feb. 26 at the Walter Hall Rotunda on the campus of Ohio University. For more information,
visit the summit website or follow the event on Twitter at @OHSunSummit.

State Budget 101 by Ohio Society of CPAs to cover budget basics for Ohio media

Are you ready to cover the state budgeting process? A one-hour presentation hosted by The Ohio Society of CPAs and featuring two veteran state budgeting experts, will be available by webcast so don't miss it! It can help you understand biennial budget basics as well as the unique realities our state leaders are facing as they prepare to deal with a looming deficit.
 
What: "State Budget 101": A seminar exclusively for media

When: Monday, Feb. 28, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
 
Where: The Capital Club in the Huntington Center, 41 S High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Who: Former Ohio Tax Commissioner Tom Zaino, CPA, J.D., McDonald Hopkins LLC, and Greg Browning, Ph.D., former director of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, now President of Capital Partners.

 

What you'll learn: 
  • State Budget 101: nuts and  bolts of the state budgeting process
  • State funding baseline realities
  • Why this year's budget is so unique
  • How the state budget influences Ohio's economy
  • What has happened in other states
 
Please RSVP by Feb. 25 to Amy Johnson at (614) 764-2727, ext. 341 or ajohnson@ohio-cpa.com.
 
Live Webcast Option:
Click the link here to participate by webcast on Feb. 28. Please check the system requirements listed to be sure you are able to run the webcast.

System Requirements for PC-based users:
  • Windows® 2000, XP, 2003 Server or Vista
  • Latest version of Adobe Flash Player (FREE). Download it here
  • Internet Explorer® 6.0 or newer, or Mozilla® Firefox® 2.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
  • Internet connection required: Cable modem, DSL or better recommended
  • Speakers or headphones
 
About The Ohio Society of CPAs
"Established in 1908, the society represents more than 22,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting. The Ohio Society's members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct."

 

Experienced photographers, writers share career stories in Chagrin Falls series

Hurry and get tickets to the talk series at the River Street Playhouse at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre in Chagrin Falls. The series will be on the first Wednesday of each month beginning in March. 

The first speaker will be Pulitzer-Prize winning AP sports and feature photographer Amy Sancetta, who has photographed 11 Olympics Games, Super Bowls, World Series, The Masters, The Academy Awards, political conventions, presidential inaugurations and more. Now a video producer for the Associated Press website, Sancetta will speak on March 2  about her career from Orange High School to AP national photographer of the year.

Writer, film producer, playwright and award-winning columnist Scott Lax will speak at the second series session on April 6.  The Chagrin Falls High School graduate was a professional drummer and industrial salesman for 15 years before becoming a full-time artist. His first novel, "The Year That Trembled," has been made into a feature film and a stage play. Lax will present "Translating Personal Experience into Art," on how he takes inspiration from his own life in producing novels, stories, plays, films and essays.

Nationally-syndicated cartoonist and children's illustrator Jenny Campbell will be the series' thrid speaker on May 4. "Flo & Friends" makes Campbell one of fewer than 30 women with a nationally-syndicated comic strip. She has also illustrated 16 children's books and her work appears regularly in Highlights Magazine. It is also in hundreds of textbooks. The Chagrin Valley transplant will share how she created her cartoon strip, and will give a live demonstration of her creative process.

Talks begin at 7 p.m. in the River Street Playhouse. Contact the theater box office with questions or to buy tickets at www.cvlt.org.  


SPJ Cleveland announces ... 

2011 Philip W. Porter Scholarship  

SPJ Cleveland is now accepting applicants for its annual Philip W. Porter Scholarship competition, which provides $1,000 per year for four years to a student entering college with the intent of practicing journalism upon graduation. The competition is open to 2011 graduating high school seniors in Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Lorain, Medina and Geauga counties. High schools in these counties are encouraged to select one student from the school to apply.

 

Applicants must be in the upper third of their class, nominated by a staff member at the high school, the only nominee from his/her high school, must intend to enter the journalism profession after graduation, and have all application materials must be submitted by April 1.

 

After the Scholarship Committee has reviewed all applications, it will select and interview finalists. The committee will determine the winner within one week after personal interviews.

 

A $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner. The student will be entitled to $1,000 upon entering the college of his/her choice, and $1,000 for each of the next three years as an undergraduate, provided satisfactory grades are maintained and ongoing documentation for proof of same is forwarded each semester to SPJ. Exact reporting requirements will be reviewed with the winner at the time of the award.

 

Application material will be posted as soon as possible on the SPJ Cleveland chapter website:

www.spjchapters.org/cleveland. 

 

Send materials to:

 

SPJ Scholarship Committee, 

c/o Prof. Jae-won Lee

Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Ave., MU-278

Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

 

If there are any questions, contact the chair of the SPJ Scholarship Committee,Dr. Jae-won Lee, or the president of SPJ Cleveland, Claudia Taller.


Job opportunities

Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out most of the jobs posted below. To receive her full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank below. 

 

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER, THE GREATER UNIVERSITY CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD VOICE

 

The candidate should be a college student (junior, senior or graduate level) with print journalism experience (school newspaper or magazine), who produces strong copy. This is not a training position; the student MUST know how to write news and feature stories and file copy that needs basic editing. A journalism major is preferred, but not required.The student must adhere to Associated Press Style, pitch two to three stories per week; write three to five 70-600 word articles for the print edition (which is a monthly) and possess some knowledge of our eight neighborhoods, which include Buckeye-Shaker, Central, East Cleveland, Fairfax, Glenville, Hough, Little Italy and University Circle.

 

We are looking for a hard working, enterprising student to replace one of our strongest student writers who will resign at the end of this month.   The ideal candidate is enterprising, deadline driven (able to turn around copy in less than two hours), creative and willing to interview a range of people from residents to politicians without fear (smiles).  

 

Applicants should possess some knowledge of the Evergreen Cooperatives business model. For information please visit www.evergreencoop.com 

 

Please email resumes here or mail to the following:

 

Greater University Circle Neighborhood Voice

Attn: Publisher/(Position Sought)

1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 1510

Cleveland, OH 44115-2001

 

FREELANCE REPORTERS, PATCH.COM

Patch.com, a new online community news source, is looking for freelancer reporters to cover a wide variety of topics on Cleveland's west side, from business to family issues to human interest stories. We're looking for writers to take on as few as one or as many as four stories per week. Photo skills are a plus and video skills are even better.

Rate: $25-$75 depending on the article.

To apply: Email resume and three clips to kate.spirgen@patch.com, subject: Freelance Application

 

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, INDUSTRY WEEK 

Penton is seeking an Associate Editor to join the Industry Week team in the Cleveland office.

IndustryWeek, the magazine and website, serves senior executives in U.S. manufacturing. IndustryWeek supplies manufacturing executives and operations management with information and insight into key issues, strategies, trends and technologies to help them advance their organizations in today's highly competitive global economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting on manufacturing technology issues for the magazine, Website and e-newsletters.

Develop online and print news and feature articles, and deliver interesting, accurate copy on tight deadlines. Contributes to events such as IW's Best Plants Conference and Excellence in Action plant tours.

Position Qualifications:

At least three years of journalism experience and a broad understanding of the key issues facing manufacturing leaders. Proven ability as a skilled editor and writer, is adept at creating both digital and print products, is a team player, and is capable of playing a role in developing new initiatives for the property.

Most possess and exhibit a high degree of energy, strict attention to detail and an acute sense of creativity.

Apply to: 

laura.desler@penton.com 

Subject: Associate Editor, Industry Week

 


SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER - HIGHLAND PR
Immediate need for an award-winning designer to take the reins of our design department. This job is for the designer who thrives on variety, as the Senior Graphic Designer will have responsibilities that encompass the entire design process from concept to press-check; they will oversee and share all design-related responsibilities within the agency including identity design, campaign development and implementation; and advertising design and submission. They will also be share responsibility for interactive media design and implementation. The Senior Graphic Designer will work directly with the agency's other graphic designer and account managers, as well as vendors including printer reps, photographers and others as needed for completion of projects. Learn more here. To apply, e-mail Leigh Greenfelder.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - FABER-CASTELL

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS 
As an integral member of the FCUSA Creative Team this individual will foster a "Team-Focus Approach" essential in maintaining the "Team" culture we value in our organization
Create designs, concepts and layouts based on knowledge of aesthetic design concepts. 
Determine arrangement of illustrative material and copy and select style and size of fonts.
Develop graphic solutions for product packages, instructions, collateral materials and marketing.
Prepare illustrations or rough sketches for presenting concepts.
Maintain archive of all images, photos and final work
Use computer software to generate new images 
Use creativity and knowledge to assist in the development of original concepts
Requirements:
1-3 Years Graphic Design Experience Preferred
Ability to create graphics from thumbnails to production ready designs
Ability to organize working files in a clear and orderly fashion
Macintosh User
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign required
Knowledge of Flash, QuarkXPress and Freehand a plus
Ability to work in fast-paced environment
Ability to accept criticism and design critiques with a positive attitude
Good written and verbal communication skills
Dynamic self-starter possessing a high degree of independent thinking and strong problem solving skills.
Creative individual with a keen sense in identifying design trends
Experience in package design a plus. 
Please submit a portfolio of samples of your creative work with your resume in JPEG or PDF 
We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our products and brand style by visiting our website at www.creativityforkids.com and www.fabercastell.com
Please include your compensation expectations with your resume in order to be considered a candidate for this position. Apply here.

WEB DESIGNER - TEMPORARY - TORCH GROUP EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Role is Interim - 12 weeks Location: Akron, OH
JOB DESCRIPTION:
One of Northeast Ohio's largest retail companies seeks a Web Designer for a 3 month, full-time contract assignment that may convert to a full-time position for the right person. The position has the overall responsibility of providing design and front end coding for extensive regional email marketing campaigns as well as web page, collateral and print work in support of the web design team. 
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
· Minimum of 3-5 years web design and development experience.
· Retail experience preferred.
· HTML, Dreamweaver, Flash, Java 
· Bachelor's degree in graphic arts, design, or other related field.
SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:
· Take direction; work independently.
RATE: Commensurate with experience. 
Apply here.

   

aboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It is updated weekly and edited by Carrie Buchanan, John Carroll University journalism educator, assistant editor Emily Gaffney, a John Carroll University student,  and associate editor Dr. Richard Hendrickson. Send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@me.com

Address: Cleveland SPJ,4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906

Chapter e-mail: Cleveland@spj.org

President: Claudia Taller ctallerwrites@wowway.com

SPJ Cleveland Chapter Web site: http://www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/

 

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.

Celebrate the history
of The Courier

  

Pittsburgh SPJ and Women's Press Club of Pittsburgh are teaming up to present the program "America's Best Weekly: A Century of the New Pittsburgh Courier," an exhibit tracing the history of The Courier, one of America's most influential African-American newspapers, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.  

The event will we held at the Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh's Strip District Saturday, March 19.  

A guided tour of the exhibit celebrating the newspaper and a showing of a documentary about The Courier will be shown. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at approximately 2 p.m. with individual lunch orders for attendees from Mixtir's.  

Some of the exhibit features include highlights from The Courier's extensive reporting on black athletes, a camera belonging to legendary photographer Charles "Teenie" Harris, a re-creation of The Courier's newsroom in the 1950s, and a display on the Courier's coverage of the Civil Rights Movement and wartime issues. There is no charge for the program.  

Attendees are responsible for the cost of their luncheon orders. Reservations are not required. For additional information, contact Ginny Frizzi at gfrizzi@juno.com or (412) 361-6028.

 

  

spj logo horizontal  

 

Events Calendar

There is more information on all these events in the rest of the newsletter 

 

Friday, Feb. 25

Entries due (postmarked)

Ohio SPJ Awards 2011 

Get rules & application form here  

 

Saturday, Feb. 26

Sunshine Summit

Ohio University

Athens, Ohio

 

Wednesday, March 2

Amy Sancetta

Pulitzer-Prizewinning 

Associated Press photographer 

River Street Playhouse

Chagrin Falls 

7 p.m.

 

Monday, March 16

The Greater Cleveland Chapter PRSA Award Ceremony

Windows on the River 

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 19

America's Best Weekly: A Century of the New Pittsburgh Courier

Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh's Strip District

11a.m.-2 p.m. 

 

Thursday, March 24

Wikileaks, First Amendment & Journalistic Ethics

Johnny's Little Bar

614 Frankfort Ave.

Cleveland, 44113

5:30-8 p.m.

 

  Sunday, March 27

The Digital Community and Us: 

How Are We Affected?

9:30 a.m., First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Boulevard, Shaker Heights

Friday, April 1
Philip W. Porter Scholarship
application deadline

SPJ Scholarship Committee
c/o Prof. Jae-won Lee
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Ave., MU-278
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Download application form on the
chapter website

April 4 Deadline
April 11-May 1 Display
May 1 Closing Ceremonies
SPJ Cleveland Photo Contest
Dolan Hall
John Carroll University
Details coming soon...

Wednesday, April 6 

Scott Lax: writer, film producer, playwright and columnist 

River Street Playhouse

7 p.m.

 

Wednesday, May 4 

Jenny Campbell

Syndicated cartoonist and children's illustrator  

River Street Playhouse

7 p.m.

 

Tuesday, March 8  

What Every Communicator Needs to Know about Agency Finances

The City Club 

8 - 9:30 a.m.


Communicators, know your finances

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Cleveland is hosting a breakfast program on Tuesday, March 8 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at The City Club. This event, "What Every Communicator Needs to Know about Agency Finances," is designed for independent practitioners and those who manage finances for their organizations.  

The program is featuring Glenn Towle of Merrick Towle CommunicationsWashington, D.C.  

SPJ members can attend at the IABC member price of only $17. Register online at www.iabccleveland.com.

 

Quick Links
More About Us

Contact the Editor

Contact Chapter President

Journalist's Toolbox

SPJ Freelancer Directory


SPJ Job Bank

Join or Renew Membership
(Be sure to scroll down on the application form and sign up for the Cleveland Pro Chapter, as well as the national SPJ)
Honor the power of PR
The Greater Cleveland Chapter PRSA will honor the 2011 Hill, Lighthouse and Davis Young Award winners on Monday, March 16, 2011 at Windows on the River. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

This year's John Hill Award honorees are Brooke Spectorsky, President & General Manager and  Micki Byrnes, Vice President, Advertising & Promotion, WKYC-TV. The Hill Award recognizes a Cleveland-area executive for outstanding understanding of, and support for, communications.

The Lighthouse Award honoree is Beth Hallisy, APR, Partner, Marcus Thomas LLC. The Lighthouse Award recognizes career accomplishments and community service by a senior public relations practitioner.

The Davis Young Award for Exceptional Mentors honoree is Robert Rotatori, Manager of Marketing & Public Relations, Cleveland Metroparks. The Young Award recognizes a professional who excels in mentoring students and young professionals through hands-on instruction and support.

 Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for non-members and $280 for a table of eight. Deadline for registration is March 11. Watch the mail for your formal invitation. We hope all members will join in the March luncheon event to congratulate this year's honorees, as we "Celebrate the Power of Public Relations." 
 
To register online
click here

 


Internships in Journalism
and Communications

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN - LANDAU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Landau Public Relations is now accepting applications for its summer internship program - The Landau Summer Experience. Students who have completed their junior year with a sound academic record and a passion to learn more about our industry are invited to apply. 

This program will give you hands-on experience at a public relations agency. You'll learn from all of our areas of expertise, and in return, we'll help you build your portfolio with solid writing examples and real results. This is a paid, full-time internship (June - August 2011) in Cleveland. 

Ready to start your future this summer? Visit here 

 and print an application. For more information, contact Alicia Gauer at 

agauer@landaupr.com 

No phone calls, please.

DEADLINE: Friday, March 4, 2011

 

CONTENT & PRODUCTION INTERN CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Cleveland Browns Content & Production Department is looking for qualified, highly motivated individuals to assist throughout the 2011 NFL calendar year. Candidates must be organized, quick learners and able to work under strict deadlines.

Job Responsibilities

· Shooting practice and games, as well as organizational events 

· Lighting and shooting interviews 

· Producing, scripting and editing video features 

· Logging, digitizing and labeling footage 

· Live audio operation (for press conferences/interviews) 

· Output video features to multiple tape and digital formats 

· Administrative and other duties - as assigned 

Desired Qualifications

· Must have experience shooting and editing sports, preferably football 

· Knowledge of Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop a plus 

· Excellent knowledge of video editing principles (non-linear). 

· Working knowledge of Avid Media Composer. 

· Experience using video encoding software, such as Sorenson Squeeze. 

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 

· Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the proven ability to multi-task 

· Outstanding communication skills 

· Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours (including nights, weekends and holidays). 

· Must be self-motivated 

· Team player

Apply here. 

 

MEDIA AND TRAFFIC INTERN - POINT TO POINT

Point to Point is searching for a Traffic and Media Intern, with the possibility of full time employment upon completion. You will be responsible for media research, planning and buying functions as well as assisting the Production Manager with daily workflow. This position requires a can-do attitude that is backed by a strong passion to learn and go above and beyond what has been asked to help our clients succeed. If you are a resilient and determined problem solver who is resourceful and accountable, you just might be the rock star we are looking for.

Requirements

Proven problem-solver

Demonstrated deadline orientation with strong follow through

Independent thinker and doer (self-starter), Results driven, Analytical thinker

Understanding of media planning and buying principles

Effective communicator, Strong negotiation skills, Ability to multi-task

Strong attention to detail, Highly organized, Team player, Comfortable in a fast-paced environment

Affinity towards technology and interactive media

One internship or relevant work experience

Must be a senior with an expected graduation of Spring or Summer 2011

Responsibilities

Media research, planning and buying, Vendor negotiation, Insertion/purchase order generation

Invoice reconciliation, Project management, Scheduling/traffic monitoring

Proofreading, Quality control and testing, Obtain ad specifications, Ad fulfillment

Analytics setup and reporting, Ad placement monitoring

Are you ready to learn more? If you believe you are cut out for this role, contact us today. Drop us your resume and cover letter by email at

heyreadthis@pointtopoint.com 

In the subject line, be sure to reference the job title Traffic and Media Intern. 

 

Cleveland Job Bank
Check Kelly Blazek's website for details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed above are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter, for which we are grateful.
To subscribe and get the full list, e-mail the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website or write to Kelly Blazek. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.

Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.
 
Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following search assignments:

  • Graphics Presentation Specialist/Power Point Maven/urgent
  • 2 Directors of Internal Communications/Cleveland
  • Law Firm Marketing/New Business Director/Cleveland
  • 2 Media Relations Managers/Cleveland
  • Brand Manager/CPG/Big Box/Cleveland
  • 3 AD Agency Account Supervisors/NEO
  • VP/Digital & Social Media/Cleveland Agency/Cleveland
  • EVP/PR Agency/NEO
  • 3 PR Agency Senior Account Executives/Cleveland

To apply for any of these current searches, please e-mail your resume as a single MS Word file MitchellCo17@aol.com.  

www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com .216-292-9936