2011 PRSA-LA
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Brian O'Connor
Cunard Line
PRESIDENT-ELECT Dennis Kaiser
ValleyCrest Companies
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Eric Moses
Occidental Petroleum
VP / TREASURER Steve Locascio
The Michael Russell Group
VP / SECRETARY Kerry Sinclair
Chandler Chicco Companies
VICE PRESIDENTS
Erik Deutsch
ExcelPR Group
Alfredo Padilla
Laureate Education, Inc.
Negin Kamali
GolinHarris
DIRECTORS
Julie Benson
Princess Cruises
Stephen Chavez
Chavez Marketing & Communications
Holly Ferris
Ferris Communications
Kathleen Flood
MWW Group
Shari Mesulam
MPRM Communications
Dawn Wilcox, APR
Allison & Partners
Phyllis Tucker
Hill & Knowlton
John Musella, APR
Newhall Land
Victoria Lelash, APR
PainePR
Stephan Roth
OutThink Partners
Denis Wolcott, APR
The Wolcott Company
Anna Parra
Time Warner Cable
ASSEMBLY DELEGATES
Greg Jenkins, APR
Bravo Productions
Sallie Olmsted, APR
Rogers & Cowan
Daryl R. McCullough, APR
PainePR
Stefan Pollack
The Pollack PR Marketing Group
Rita Tateel
The Celebrity Source
Michael Furtney, APR
Killeen Furtney Group
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mindy Gail
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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 held until December 2010.
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.
2011
PRSA-LA welcomes Mindy Gail as its new Executive Director. |
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
Philip Sokoloski
Editor
213-977-8630
Andrew Hindes
Associate Editor
323-256-4950
(c) 2011 PRSA-LA
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L.A. Connect is a submission-driven publication. Contact editor Philip Sokoloski at psokoloski@filmla.com for more information on how to get involved in newsletter production.
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Greetings!
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Brian O'Connor
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There is still time to take advantage of the new member promotion this month, whereby those who join PRSA in the month of February receive FREE local chapter dues for one year -- a $95.00 savings. Look for the promo code in the information below and share this significant savings opportunity with your colleagues. Our Panel Programs are one great way to experience value from your membership and we're off to a great start this year. We're proud to feature a highlights video on our home page from the Jan 26 "State of the State of PR" program, which featured six outstanding PR professionals and was expertly moderated by former investigative journalist, David Bloom. If you were not able to join us in person, take a few minutes to watch this brief streaming video to learn what's top-of-mind for these PR pros in 2011. Our Programs Event Calendar is always on our home page and more events have been added, so be sure to check back regularly and save the dates. These very relevant and meaningful programs are designed to advance our profession and most importantly you, the professional. Last, the Board of Directors and I are excited to see so many members volunteering for service on our diverse range of COMMITTEES. A few chair/co-chair positions are still available, so we invite you to make contact with the board liaison noted on the committee roster and gain even more value from your PRSA-LA membership by getting involved. Sincerely, Brian O'Connor, PRSA-LA President
Director, Marketing & Public Relations
CUNARD LINE
brian@prsala.org |
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It's Not Too Late! Join PRSA During February and Save $95! PRSA is offering FREE Chapter Dues to new members who join the national organization during the month of February. This represents a savings of $95 for new PRSA members who also choose to join PRSA-LA. Jump start your career today with membership in PRSA-LA. Sign up today and enter your promo code (feb11) to receive your free chapter dues through February 28. What can membership in PRSA do for you?PRSA is the world's largest community of public relations and communications professionals. With membership in PRSA, you will ... - Stay on top of emerging trends and industry news
- Meet colleagues, engage with experts, receive professional support and learn about new business opportunities and job leads
- Find answers to your most pressing PR questions
- Benefit from members-only offers, including discounts on professional development seminars, conferences and events
- Learn about opportunities to participate in leadership and awards programs
- Be part of a vibrant community of more than 22,000 PR professionals
- Accelerate your career -- no matter where you are on your academic or professional path
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PRSA Organizers Add Finishing Touches to Upcoming 2011 Western District Conference Organizers continue to field new sponsor requests and add last-minute breakout speakers to PRSA's upcoming 2011 Western District Conference, taking place April 27-29 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. This year's theme is " PR Renaissance: A Revival of Intellectual and Artistic Public Relations." The already-impressive event roster includes: - Ken Rudin, Political Editor, NPR
- Richard Laermer, author of Punk Marketing and Full Frontal PR and editor of the Bad Pitch Blog
- Donovan Robertson, Lead Brand Evangelist, Zappos.com
- Karen Wickre, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Google
- Randy Snow, Chief Strategic Officer, R&R Partners
- Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Now through March 25, 2011, members can take advantage of a special early-bird registration rate of $195, and also secure discounted rooms before March 28 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino or nearby Palazzo Las Vegas. We hope to see you in the desert come April, and hope you'll help us spread the word by telling your colleagues and associates about the event. Until then, get the latest news and information by following the Western District Conference on Twitter ( @prsawestdist) and visiting the conference Web site.
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A Taste of What You Missed...
"The Art of Protocol" Explores the Importance of Etiquette for PR Practitioners
A panel of renowned protocol experts took part in a lively, entertaining and eye-opening discussion at the Beverly Hilton on Feb. 8 at PRSA-LA's latest chapter event, "The Art of Protocol: What Every PR Professional Should Know." The panel included three representatives of the venerable Protocol School of Washington: Pamela Eyring, President and Director; Robert Hickey, Deputy Director and Diana Brown, protocol expert and former Deputy Director of Protocol for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Joining them on the dais were Julie Nathanson, Executive Vice President, Entertainment at Rogers & Cowan and Dawn Higgins, Assistant General Counsel for Princess Cruises. The moderator was Julie Benson, Vice President, Public Relations for Princess Cruises. Highlights of the event are recounted here by Associate Editor Andrew Hindes, president and founder of The In-House Writer: The discussion began with a question about each panelist's "favorite" protocol blunders. Brown recalled a high-level visit to China when the U.S. delegation narrowly avoided presenting a Chinese dignitary with a gift clearly marked "Made in Taiwan." For Hickey it was Hilary Clinton's gift to her Russian counterpart of a button intended to signify a new beginning in U.S.-Russia relations. It was supposed to say "Restart" but had been mistranslated instead as "Overcharge." STRESS RELIEVERThe group agreed that far from being a burdensome set of restrictions, protocol serves as a helpful roadmap that allows attendees at formal functions to feel more at ease. "The idea is to create a room with no stress, so work can get done," said Hickey. Rogers & Cowan's Nathanson pointed out that in the world of shifting Hollywood fortunes, protocol is far more fluid. "If you write the rules down, you better write them in pencil," she said, noting that one day a client may be treated like royalty, the next day, a mere supplicant. "Your position changes depending on whether it's the Grammys or the Oscars, for instance." For PR professionals who think they're immune to the issue of international protocol because their work doesn't require them to travel abroad, Eyring pointed out that through social media, events captured on video are now viewed globally. "Even local events take place on a world stage." ASK AN EXPERTFortunately, there are plenty of resources for those planning events involving foreign dignitaries, including the Dept. of State website and books such as Hickey's indispensible reference, Honor & Respect: The Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address. Another approach, says the author, is to ask for help from local military, political or corporate protocol officers. "Sometimes it's as simple as saying, 'I'm doing this, does it seem right?'" |
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"At Breakfast With..."
Pitching Consumer and "Green" Journalists: Influential Reporters Share Pitching Tips and Trends
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
8:00 AM
Southern California Gas Co.
 Protecting the environment and being more energy-efficient has become an increasingly important topic for consumer reporters and the general public. In March, PRSA-LA will bring together journalists from several media outlets covering consumer, environmental and energy efficiency topics to discuss the do's and don'ts when pitching. The 60-minute discussion will help you maximize your PR results by showing you: - Editorial opportunities that PR professionals can enhance by providing their input
- Secret newsroom tips for maximizing return and reach nationwide
- How to secure coverage and gain attention from media gatekeepers
For more information, please visit the event page on PRSA-LA's Web site.
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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 Philip Sokoloski at psokoloski@filmla.com.
Pollack PR Marketing Group to Represent The Home of Designer Scrubs™  | | Noemi Pollack |
Koi Design, LLC, a Santa Monica-based clothing company and maker of fashionable "koi" branded medical apparel, has retained The Pollack PR Marketing Group (PPMG) to serve as its agency of record. As part of its activities, PPMG will develop expanded messaging and positioning for koi, expand the company's social media programming, content creation and charitable partnerships, and build a thought leadership platform for koi's founding designer and entrepreneur Kathy Peterson. PPMG founder and CEO Noemi Pollack expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to bring koi's designer scrubs to new markets.
ExcelPR Group Wins CA Film Commission Account  | |
Erik Deutsch
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ExcelPR Group has been retained by the California Film Commission (CFC) to build awareness and support for programs that are helping to keep the state production-friendly. The campaign will focus primarily on the impact of the California Film & Television Tax Credit, which was enacted in 2009 to reduce runaway production. ExcelPR Group won the account via a competitive RFP process. The agency previously represented FilmL.A. (the Los Angeles region's film office) for more than three years through a comprehensive PR and rebranding campaign. ExcelPR Group Principal Erik Deutsch noted that he's delighted the agency has become "typecast" in the role of helping the Golden State retain its signature industry.
Cunard Line's Three Queens Meet Lady Liberty for Historic Royal Rendezvous in New York Harbor
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On January 13, 2011, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria joined the new Queen Elizabeth as she made her maiden call in Manhattan. PRSA-LA President and Cunard Line Director of Marketing and Public Relations Brian O'Connor and Cunard Manager of PR Jackie Chase, along with their team from GolinHarris and Eric Allen Productions, organized a day of festivities in honor of the historic Royal Rendezvous. From ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, to the lighting of the Empire State Building in "Cunard red" to a dazzling Grucci fireworks display over New York Harbor, the day showcased a true grand celebration fit for a queen -- or three! (see video highlights)
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Looking for an Edge?
Try Adding Three Letters After Your Name: APR. "Class of 2011" Now Forming!
Have you thought about pursuing accreditation in public relations? If you have five or more years of paid work experience in the PR profession, you're a candidate to earn the APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation. Earning the APR is a uniquely rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. It's an opportunity to sharpen your craft and distinguish yourself as a professional.
 The annual prep class series offered by the Los Angeles chapter begins soon. It meets one evening per week for six weeks, at a modest cost (under $50 for the entire series). APRs will lead you through the material addressed in the standardized, one-hour test, as well as what you'll need to include in your case study oral presentation before a panel of accredited reviewers. You'll hear a recent APR explain the process from the candidate's perspective, including study tips and suggestions regarding how to balance work, family and pursuing accreditation all at the same time.
To learn more, please contact PRSA-LA Accreditation Committee Co-Chairs Sallie Olmsted, APR, at solmsted@rogersandcowan.com or Rebecca Mikkelsen, APR at rebeccam@usa.net. In the subject line, please put "APR Interersted Candidate- [Your Full Name]". |
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Attention Employers!
PRSA-LA Job Listings
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.
Members, check out this month's new job opportunities at BrandCulture Company, Screen Actors Guild, Kaiser Permanente and DRS and Associates, among others!
If you need assistance accessing the site, contact prsala@aol.com.
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Volunteers Needed: Share Your Wisdom with PRSSA Students
 Do you have wisdom that would benefit future public relations professionals? Do you enjoy teaching PR-related topics to college students?
PRSA-LA sponsors six Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters -- Biola University, CSU Dominguez Hill, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California. All chapters host meetings that feature guest speakers, and they're always looking for professionals willing to visit their campuses.
If you're interested in serving as a guest speaker, please email your name, title, company and topic, and we'll share your interest with the LA-area PRSSA chapters.
For more information on how to support PRSA-LA's student chapters, please contact Holly Ferris at holly@ferriscomm.com or (562)429-6456.
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Tue., March 8
At Breakfast With... Consumer and Green Journalists
Southern California Gas Co.( Event Details) Wed., March 16
Trends in Television News: The Anchor's Perspective
Sheraton Universal Hotel( Event Details) Thu., April 14
Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium
USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
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Welcome New Members
Raleigh Gerber
| Charlie (Xiaofeng) Gu
David Lang & Associates
| Carolyn Neuhausen
| Kevin Padgett
gkkworks
| Joe Rhoton
Cision |
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Looking for Project Suppliers?
Find Them with 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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