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 The Musella Group
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
|
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
2011 PRSA-LA welcomes Mindy Gail as its new Executive Director.
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.
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.
2003 PRSA-LA holds its first IPG (Independent Practitioners Group) Meeting.
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.
1990 PRSA-LA and the Annenberg School for Communication hold the first Kenneth Owler Smith (KOS) Symposium named after the beloved USC professor.
1989 PRSA-LA awards the first Don Perkins Grant to fund PR services for worthy nonprofit organizations.
1988 PRSA-LA members Eric Stoltz and Tom Trevett form PRSA's first Young Professionals (YP) section.
1985 PRSA-LA awards the first Joseph Roos Award to recognize PR professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary community service.
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.
1965 PRSA-LA elects its first woman president, Pat Penney.
1964 PRSA-LA holds the first annual PRism Awards competition and banquet.
1955 PRSA-LA hosts the national PRSA Annual Conference. More than 1,100 PR pros attend at the Ambassador Hotel.
1948 PRSA-LA incorporated as one of PRSA's first five founding chapters. Bob Roberts elected first chapter president.
|
L.A. Connect is published by
PRSA-LA
11271 Ventura Blvd. #376
Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 818-582-3233
www.prsala.org
Philip Sokoloski Editor
213-977-8630
Andrew Hindes Associate Editor 323-256-4950
(c) 2011 PRSA-LA
|
|

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.
|
|
|
|
___________________________________________
|
Greetings!
|

| |
Brian O'Connor
|
As we are now in Q2 of the year I have posted my quarterly update video on our home page. Please take a few minutes to watch this brief streaming video to stay current on all of the exciting events, programs and networking opportunities happening with our chapter throughout Greater Los Angeles.
Additionally, we have posted the highlights video from our TV News Anchor Panel Program featuring three of LA's most popular and respected news anchors. If you were not able to join us, this video features key points in the discussion expertly moderated by veteran TV news director, Jeff Wald.
Our newsletter is full of information that is worth your time to review and share with your colleagues, so please take a few minutes to save-the-date for our ConneXions Networking happy hour mixer, the GREEN PR & Marketing (half-day) Seminar and another informative At Breakfast With... featuring Business Media, all happening in the month of May.
Finally, our gold-level chapter sponsor Business Wire is offering the opportunity for students to submit a video and win a trip to New York to meet Warren Buffett. Click the graphic above to learn more and forward this newsletter to both students and those who teach in your professional network.
I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events, seminars or networking mixers in May.
Sincerely, Brian O'Connor, PRSA-LA President Director, Marketing & Public Relations CUNARD LINE brian@prsala.org |
___________________________________________
|
Secrets to Successful Green PR
A Half-Day Seminar:
"Sustainability Communications: Is Public Relations Delivering on the Green Promise?"
May 16, 2011
The Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
(bonus sessions 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
 When it comes to sustainability, public relations professionals are increasingly becoming change agents, facilitators and corporate strategists. We're no longer only counted on to communicate green achievements, but are now part of the decision-making process at companies and organizations that see sustainability as key to their bottom line. PRSA-LA, in conjunction with PRSA Western District and a host of event sponsors, proudly present a half-day seminar on the green revolution in PR. The growing list of speakers and breakout session leaders includes: - Keynote Address from Kelton Research
- David Chapman, Partner at Ketchum West and head of Ketchum's Sustainability Practice
- Nurit Katz, Sustainability Coordinator, UCLA
- Beverly Macy, educator and author, The Power of Real-Time Social Media Marketing
- Jordan Peavey, Regional Marketing Director, The Nature Conservancy, California & Asia
- Teri Thompson, Creative Director, Gravity Summit, Inc. and President, Rocky Peak Enterprises, LLC
- Chris Villiers, Communications Director for Environment, Health and Safety, Boeing
Register by May 2 to save money and pick up additional bonus breakout sessions. For more information or to register, visit the event page on the PRSA-LA Web site.
|
___________________________________________
|
|
At Breakfast With... Business Media
May 18, 2011
Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
 This May, be sure to mark your calendar to join business editors and reporters from some of the most influential publications and TV stations in Southern California. At PRSA-LA's latest At Breakfast With... event, you'll learn about the latest trends in business reporting and insider secrets to winning solid business media coverage. A continental breakfast will be served. The growing list of panelists now includes: - David Lazarus, Columnist/Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, KTLA-TV
- Roger Lindo, Staff Writer, La Opinion
- Edwin Chan, Reporter, Thompson Reuters
- Mark Madler, Reporter/Columnist, San Fernando Valley Business Journal
- More speakers to be announced...
Advance reservations are required. RSVP to Alfredo Padilla at alfredo@prsala.org, or 818.902.0074. Fees of $10 (for PRSA-LA and YP Members), $20 (non-members and guests), or $5 (PRSSA student members) are payable at the door.
|
___________________________________________
|
|
PRSA-LA ConneXions Networking Mixers
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
At a Location Near You!
 PRSA Los Angeles Chapter invites you and your colleagues to our no cover charge ConneXions Networking Mixers at five locations throughout Greater Los Angeles. Each mixer is hosted by members of our Board of Directors and is open to all members, non-members and PR service providers. Attend a ConneXions Mixer near your work or home to network with other PR professionals and learn more about how PRSA-LA can help support your career and professional endeavors. Bring your business cards and let's network! - PRSA-LA Board Leadership Hosts to Welcome You
- One Free Beverage for First 25 Attendees (followed by cash bar)
- Complimentary Hors d'Oeuvres
- Door Prizes (at most locations)
Post-mixer dining is optional. Attendees are encouraged to make dinner reservations to support the establishments graciously welcoming PRSA-LA. Valet parking is also available at all locations (discount rates available at most locations with validation). TO RSVP, choose a location below and contact the ConneXions host listed for each: HOLLYWOODHollywood Roosevelt Hotel Public Kitchen and Bar (off historic grand lobby) 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood CA 90028 RSVP to Host: Rita Tateel, The Celebrity Source rita@prsala.orgCo-Host: Erik Deutsch, ExcelPR Group Dinner Reservations: http://www.hollywoodroosevelt.com Tel: (323) 769-8888 WESTSIDE / SANTA MONICALuxe Hotel, Lobby Bar Patio 11461 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90049 RSVP to Host: Sallie Olmsted, Rogers & Cowan sallie@prsala.orgCo-Host: Eric Moses, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Dinner Reservations: http://www.luxesunset.com Tel: (310) 476-6571 DOWNTOWN LAO Hotel, Bar|Kitchen Restaurant 819 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 RSVP To Host: Chad Darwin, PainePR chad.darwin@painepr.comCo-Hosts: Daryl McCullough, PainePR Negin Kamali, GolinHarris Dinner Reservations: http://www.ohotel.com Tel: (213) 623-9904 ext 105 LONG BEACHGladstones at the Pike @ Rainbow Harbor 333 S. Pine Ave. (at Pine and Shoreline Drive) Long Beach CA 90802 RSVP To Host: Greg Jenkins, APR, Bravo Productions greg@prsala.orgCo-Host: Holly Ferris, Ferris Communications Dinner Reservations: http://www.gladstoneslongbeach.comTel: (562) 432-8588 CLAREMONT / SAN GABRIEL VALLEYHotel Casa 425 425 West First Street Claremont, CA 91711 RSVP To Host: Denis Wolcott, APR, The Wolcott Company denis@prsala.orgDinner Reservations: http://www.casa425.com Walk-ins welcome...
|
___________________________________________
|
PRSA New Member Promotion
Register by the End of April for a Chance to Win a Free PRSA Membership!
Missed out on the February membership promotion, but still thinking about joining PRSA? Well, you could still get lucky. Now through April 30, you can submit your contact information to receive free resources and special offers from PRSA National. One submission will be selected to receive a FREE PRSA National and Chapter membership for one year! Register now and take advantage of your opportunity to win this membership, valued at more than $385. 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
|
___________________________________________
|
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 California Association of Realtors, Millennium Entertainment and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, among others!
If you need assistance accessing the site, contact prsala@aol.com.
|
___________________________________________
|
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.
Celebrity Grand Prix Racers Help Tweet Toyota to Record-Setting Sponsorship Exposure
 | | Rita Tateel |
Rita Tateel, president of The Celebrity Source and past president of PRSA-LA, recently wrapped up a nine-month-long celebrity outreach and coordination effort for the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Pro-Celebrity Race. Celebrity participants were actively engaged in utilizing their social media platforms to keep fans informed during every step of the training, practice and the race process. As a result, Toyota earned record-setting exposure for their sponsorship. Celebrities such as Kevin Jonas (Jonas Brothers), Jillian Barberie-Reynolds (Fox's Good Day LA), Tito Ortiz (UFC Champion) and fan clubs of Stephen Moyer (True Blood), among others, tweeted and posted insider photos on their Facebook pages.
Deutsch Tapped for Digital Hollywood Panel
 | | Erik Deutsch |
ExcelPR Group Principal Erik Deutsch will discuss the evolving role of social media in crisis communications during a panel discussion May 4th at the Digital Hollywood Conference. He'll be part of a three-member panel that also includes PRSA National Past President Joann Killeen (President, Killeen Furtney Group) and Stan Rosenfeld (President, Stan Rosenfeld and Associates). It will be moderated by renowned entertainment publicist, pundit and author Howard Bragman (Founder, Fifteen Minutes). The panel begins at 9:00 am at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey, and is part of a day-long series of panels at Digital Hollywood produced by the Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS). More information is available at www.eppsonline.org.
Wolcott Company Picks Up New Clients
 | | Denis Wolcott, APR |
The Wolcott Company, headed by PRSA-LA Board Member Denis Wolcott, is pleased to announce two new clients: UCLA Anderson School of Management to provide media relations and event promotion for its annual John Wooden Global Leadership Award, and the Newhall County Water District for general public relations services. In addition, The Wolcott Company is providing consulting services to the City of Moreno Valley for public outreach and education concerning a tax assessment district.
|
___________________________________________
|
Wed., May 11 ConneXions Networking Mixer Multiple Area Locations ( Event Details) Mon., May 16 Half-Day Seminar -- Sustainability Communications: Is Public Relations Delivering on the Green Promise? Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica( Event Details) Wed., May 18 At Breakfast With... Business Media Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles ( Event Details)
|
___________________________________________
|
|
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.
|
___________________________________________
|
Welcome New Members
Brooke Badger Team One
| Spencer Castillo Castillo & Ruig Communications
| Kristen Cole-Ford
| Victoria Dorigo DSPT International
| Michele Keller SEIU 721
| Rachel Koelzer Nestle USA
| Paula Shawa Boeing
| Anne Swire Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation
| Katrina Tracy Wound Care Advantage
| Brenda Urban Wagstaff Worldwide
| Lori Yeghiayan AIDS Healthcare Foundation
| |
|
|
_________________________________________
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|