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
The Mesulam Group
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
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The Los Angeles Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is comprised of more than 575 public relations professionals representing many LA-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.
Chapter Milestones
2011
PRSA-LA welcomes Mindy Gail as its new Executive Director.
2010
PRSA-LA presents Barbara Shore with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for her 40 years of service to the Chapter as 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.
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.
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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
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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 |
This newsletter is filled with information that is relevant and timely to you as a PR professional, so this month I will keep my words brief and invite you take a few minutes to learn about the great educational programs and networking events planned for September and beyond. Please save-the-date and register soon. PRSA-LA will have delegate representatives at the National Assembly, which meets in Orlando on Saturday, October 15. Along with me, your Assembly Delegates will be Denis Wolcott (APR), Daryl McCullough, Rhoda Weiss (APR, PRSA Fellow) and Stephan Roth. If you have questions or views on any topic you would like to communicate prior to the Assembly, please email me and I will share your views with our group of delegates. Thanks to all who submitted entries for the PRism Awards. They have been shipped for judging and we will announce the Finalists along with our Special Award Honorees in September. Sincerely, Brian O'Connor, PRSA-LA President
Director, Marketing & Public Relations
CUNARD LINE
brian@prsala.org |
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PRSA-LA Presents:
Communicating With Multicultural Consumers: Learn from Today's Top Brands
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa
1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Following on the success of last month's At Breakfast With... Ethnic Media event, PRSA-LA is proud to present a new seminar covering multicultural communications as practiced by top consumer brands.
This afternoon event will include an opening session with AEG Vice President of Communications Michael Roth, breakout panels/workshops and a networking reception.
Panelists from leading consumer brands such as Nike, Hewlett-Packard, ImpreMedia, Time Warner, State Farm Insurance and L.A. Care Health Plan will provide insights into their unique approaches to multicultural communications, and how they can positively impact growth across target market segments. Be part of the excitement and enter for a chance to win the market-leading HP Envy 14 laptop computer with Beats Audio and HP PhotoSmart Premium Touch Web Printer. More details to follow soon! Stay tuned and please visit www.prsala.org for updates on panel participants and RSVP info. |
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PRSA-LA and Social Media Week L.A. Present:
Facebook's Impact on Entertainment PR and Marketing
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Paley Center for Media
465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
 Learn first-hand from an all-star panel how the entertainment industry is using Facebook and other top social networking platforms. This program will cover best practices, case studies and strategies for success (as well as pitfalls to avoid). We'll get perspective and the inside scoop directly from Facebook, major studios, talent agencies and PR/digital marketing firms.
Confirmed panelists include:
- Kay Madati - Entertainment Strategy, Facebook
- Eric Kuhn - Social Media Agent, United Talent Agency
- Rich DeMuro (Moderator) - Tech Reporter, KTLA and Tribune (syndication)
This FREE event is produced by PRSA-LA, and hosted by Social Media Week L.A.Advance reservations will be required as seating is limited. Stay tuned and please visit www.prsala.org for updates on panel participants and RSVP info. |
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Attention Enterprising PRSA Young Professionals. Apply for the Trevett Award!
 | | Tom Trevett, APR |
Each year, the Young Professionals section of PRSA-LA honors two outstanding Young Professionals from the greater Los Angeles area with the Trevett Award. The organization awards a first-place prize of $1,000 and a second-place prize of $500, each to be used for professional development. The award was established to honor the memory of Tom Trevett, APR, a tireless worker for the advancement of the profession. Tom is fondly remembered by members of the public relations community. All young professionals in the greater Los Angeles area who are employed full-time in public relations, have no more than five years of full-time experience and are in good standing with PRSA-LA are eligible to apply for the award. Contact Robert Tate at robert.tate@painepr.com to request an application. |
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Save the Date!
Quality Time With PR Minds Event
Saturday, October 29, 2011
RAND Corporation
1776 Main Street, Santa Monica
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 Calling all PR professionals who want to give back! If you have at least two years of public relations experience and are interested in donating your time and creativity to some very worthy nonprofits, then make plans to join PRSA-LA for "Quality Time with PR Minds" this October.
Quality Time is your opportunity to make a significant contribution in just one day by helping to inspire, encourage and empower local nonprofits to tackle their most challenging communications issues. Quality Time also offers a unique venue to network and collaborate. Share your expertise and gain knowledge as you team up with one or two other PR professionals and nonprofits for stimulating brainstorming sessions.
Participants have the option of volunteering for the entire day or signing up for just the morning or afternoon session. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. Parking is free. Advance reservations are required. Stay tuned and watch this space for details on how to sign up. |
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PRSA-LA Board Members to Present at PRSA International Conference in October
 If you're planning to attend the PRSA 2011 International Conference Oct 15-18 in Orlando, Fla., you might see more than a few familiar faces during the development workshops.
PRSA-LA Board Members Daryl McCullough and Stephan Roth will each lead professional development workshops at the conference. While looking over the 3-day event schedule, be sure you don't miss:
- Understanding the LGBT Consumer: An $800 Billion Dream Market, by Stephan Roth, OutThink Partners. Dubbed an $800 billion "dream market" two decades ago by The Wall Street Journal, the gay and lesbian market is brand loyal, influential and economically resilient. Find out which characteristics make this segment so appealing to companies and organizations across a variety of industries, and uncover ways to effectively gain a share of this market. (learn more)
- Buzz-Building Programs that Drive Business, by Daryl McCullough, PainePR. In today's marketplace, brand-building public relations faces daunting challenges. To break through and stand out, programs must be buzz-worthy. In this session you'll learn to assess your organization's readiness for a buzz-building program, develop buzz-building strategies that drive business results and grow brands, and walk away armed with the intelligence, insight and inspiration needed to bring buzz-building programs to your organization. (learn more)
Please note that PRSA has extended the Saver Rate deadline to Friday, Sept. 2, giving you the chance to save up to $200 on your conference registration.
To register or obtain more information about the PRSA 2011 International Conference, other professional development workshops, and discount lodging, be sure to visit the conference web site. |
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Push Your Career to the Next Level
Explore LMU's PR Extension Program
 | | Dennis Kaiser |
Looking to push your Public Relations career to the next level? Need to round out or boost your professional skills? LMU's Extension PR Certification is the perfect way to grow and develop your career the way you want.
The next class begins in September, and will be taught by PRSA-LA Board member Dennis Kaiser. Kaiser is a former journalist and PR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience.
For more information or to register, visit the LMU Extension web site.
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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 Amgen, Guidance Solutions, Morgan Marketing & Public Relations, and St. Joseph Health System, among others!
If you need assistance accessing the site, contact info@prsala.org.
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MEMBER/AGENCY NEWS
Do you have professional news to share? Did you or a colleague 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.
American Public Gardens Association Appoints The Pollack PR Marketing Group as Agency of Record
 | | Stefan Pollack |
The American Public Gardens Association (APGA) has tapped The Pollack PR Marketing Group (PPMG) to lead its public relations and brand outreach efforts, following a competive review. PPMG has previously worked with the APGA on a project basis, executing a successful internal communications program for the association and its large membership. Now, the firm will help the APGA build public awareness of North America's 500 member gardens and their vital role as advocates for the advancement of environmental stewardship, education and plant conservation.
Fantage Appoints Wonacott Communications Public Relations Agency of Record
 | | Jason Wonacott |
Fantage.com, Inc. (Fantage), a leading virtual world for kids ages six to 16, has enlisted Wonacott Communications as agency of record. The award-winning, full-service firm will provide strategic counsel to develop overall strategy and messaging for the company, while employing media relations to increase Fantage's brand visibility with families, educators and the business community.
Garcia Schools Students in Entertainment PR
 | | Tracy Garcia, APR |
Tracy Garcia, APR has been invited to teach a course in entertainment public relations to undergraduate upperclassmen at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). The course -- which targets students in their senior year -- will cover all aspects of communications in the entertainment industry, including personal publicity, talent relations, events, media relations and social media.
Grand Wailea Selects OutThink Partners for LGBT Communications
 | | Stephan Roth |
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort located on Maui's most beautiful beach, has retained Beverly Hills-based OutThink Partners to promote its luxury villas at Ho'olei to the lucrative LGBT market. OutThink Partners will develop and implement an integrated communications and marketing program to raise awareness of the Ho'olei Villas among gay and lesbian travelers and drive sales in this important segment.
The Pollack PR Marketing Group Adds New York City Office
 | | Noemi Pollack |
The Pollack PR Marketing Group (PPMG) recently announced that it has expanded its base of operations with the opening of a New York City office. The new office will be headed by 25-year PR industry veteran Mike Greece. According to PPMG founder and CEO Noemi Pollack, the new office was established to better serve the growing national needs of the agency's clients. PPMG was founded 26 years ago in Los Angeles.
Pugash Receives Specialty Coffee Association Award
 | | Melissa Pugash |
Melissa J. Pugash recently received the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Coffee Industry. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Pugash has provided strategic marketing communications services and business development support to the global coffee and tea trades for 23 years. Her client roster includes coffee roasters, growers, importers, traders, nonprofit and trade organizations and beverage equipment manufacturers.
Wonacott Communications Adds Katie Gerber, Vice President Interactive Entertainment and Consumer Technology
 | | Katie Gerber |
Wonacott Communications, a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency, has added Katie Gerber as vice president, interactive entertainment and consumer technology to its award-winning team. With more than 11 years' experience in the technology, video gaming and entertainment industries, Gerber will provide senior-level counsel for Wonacott' s interactive entertainment and consumer electronics clients while helping to expand new business for the company.
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Monday, September 19
Facebook's Impact on Entertainment PR & Marketing
The Paley Center for Media, Beverly Hills
Wednesday, September 21
Communicating with Multicultural Consumers: Learn from Today's Top Brands
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa, Hollywood( Event Details) Thursday, October 20
PRSA-LA and SPJ/LA Networking Mixer
J Restaurant & Lounge, Downtown L.A.
(Event Details)
Saturday, October 29
Quality Time With PR Minds
RAND Corporation, Santa Monica( Event Details) Wednesday, November 9
47th Annual PRism Awards Show
Renaissance Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland (5th Floor) - New Venue ( Event Details) |
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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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Welcome New Members
Heather Antonio
| Monina Castillo
Syska Hennessy Group, Inc.
| Ada Clark
VA Desert Pacific
Healthcare Network | Jessica Diaz-Moran
Wells Fargo
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Kimberly Espinoza
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Monica Fish
Neutrogena
| Jarryd Gonzales
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Kristin Loe
| Tracie Diana Morales
| Valerie Palacios
U.S. Army
| Levy Matt Sun
| Lisa Winkle
VEDC
| Jahmena Wright
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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@prsala.org or 562.429.6456.
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