Dear Friends,
The economy is, without question, the most talked about topic right now. And rightfully so. People need to be aware of what's going on, they need to react and plan accordingly, and they must be well informed in order to do so.
As a business person that spends a fair amount of time meeting with clients and attending events, I am keenly aware of how fully that topic dominates our discussions. And again, rightfully so. More than any other topic in recent history, the economy is now also dominating our personal conversations with friends and family members.
Still, I have heard reference to people in the "Marie Antoinette" or "Nero" mode -- those cake-recommending fiddle players who refuse to acknowledge the severity of the situation. These people are somehow missing (avoiding?) all forms of print, electronic and online media, and must be in denial, because it's impossible to ignore the fact that we are in a serious situation. I know others who have gone too far in the other direction -- I will call them "pendulum-clingers" -- whose opinions and decisions are so tied to whichever way mass opinion is swinging that they react instead of thinking for themselves. The rest are in the middle, appropriately trying to determine which predictions are correct -- how long will it last, how deep is the bottom, what does it mean for my industry/company?
And then I stop to consider that Thanksgiving is upon us. This is the only day that, regardless of religious, political or other differences, we as a country pause to reflect on what we have. When you consider the disease, famine, violence and persecution rampant in other parts of the world, it is clear that our country still has much to be thankful for.
As a PR person, I am always interested in my clients' key messages. For Thanksgiving, I am crafting my own key message: let's make Thanksgiving--that one day designed to stop and appreciate what we do have -- an "economic discussion-free zone." The issue will still be there on Friday, and you can talk about it all you want to (and the media will be aggressively covering how the retailers fare -- you won't miss it). But for the sake of family and friends, children, your own ability to enjoy the day, and the opportunity for perspective, try to focus on the positive.
I never thought I'd say this, as a news junkie, but ignore the news and enjoy your turkey, pie, parades and football. Spend quality time with your loved ones or cherish your solitude -- whichever you prefer. Consider the potential that lies in the ability to move upward and onward. Give Thanks.
Up or down, the economy will still be there when you get back to work. |
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What is it that you are thankful for? Is it that new iPhone, or your Harry Potter Limited Edition DVD Collection? Just in time for Thanksgiving, Castle client Virgin Money encourages us to take a step back and reflect on what truly matters. Visit the Give Thanks section of their website, upload a picture and a caption, and share your gratitude with the world. Plus, with every upload they will donate $1 to "give a drop"--Virgin Unite's charity in conjunction with the Clean Water Fund. |
Recently, New England Law|Boston celebrated 100 years of excellence with a Centennial Convocation at the TD Banknorth Garden. Festivities included a formal program followed by five simultaneous receptions for more than 2,500 honored guests, students and alumni. The Centennial Convocation featured distinguished speakers, musical performances and a reflective video presentation centered on the event theme of "100 Years/100 Stories." Associate Justice Robert J. Cordy of the Massachusetts Supreme Court served as Master of Ceremonies, and featured speakers included retired United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Mayor Thomas M. Menino, among others. The myriad elements developed for the Convocation showed the importance of a strategic communications and marketing program, with all elements pulled together to create a dramatic effect. Venue selection, theme, video, event production, public relations, speaker selection, guest list and even special effects played vital roles in not just creating a meaningful, memorable event, but leaving a lasting impression as well. The Castle Group's PR and events teams, along with our partner Blue Wave Marketing and Promotions, are proud to not only have produced and managed this creative and highly successful evening, but as a women-owned business, Castle appreciates the partnership with NESL--one of the first schools devoted to teaching law to women in the early 20th century. | |
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Castle News
Hello, Boston!
Perfect fall weather arrived just in time for Castle client The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway's inaugural festivities. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Caroline Kennedy, national media and families from across the region came together to enjoy the pristine publice space where a highway once stood. With all the stresses this holiday season, we hope you will get out and enjoy this new "urban oasis." It's the perfect place for picnicking, stargazing, dog walking, kite flying, hand holding, book reading, snowman making, coffee drinking, you name it. For more information click here.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, PRGN President Frank Cullen, Dublin, and The Castle Group Principal/Founder Sandy Lish
Early October was a busy time here at Castle, as we welcomed 50 public relations professionals from across the globe to our city. Our Public Relations Global Network (www.prgn.com) now has 40 independently owned public relations agencies on six continents, cumulatively totaling more than 800 professionals. During this meeting, PRGN welcomed two new members: Washington D.C.'s Xenophon Strategies and London's The SPA Way, and Castle was able to introduce the group to Boston's own Mayor Menino. With the state of the economy dominating the news cycle, it is crucial in the communications industry to be able to offer clients the strength of local knowledge combined with connections in both domestic and international markets, and we are proud to be a part of this amazing group.
New Client Highlight:
A very enthusastic -- or should we say "animated" -- welcome to Deos, creators of "Ribert & Robert's WonderWorld," an educational program that combines live action and 3D animation, and airs on public television stations across the United States and around the world on the American Forces Network (www.ribert.com). Castle will support public and trade awareness of "Ribert & Robert" while launching the company's forthcoming interactive online offering for children.
Castle Introduces Food Business Bootcamp
Are you trying to decipher the sales and marketing channel in the natural foods industry? For a custom consultation on making sales and marketing work in the industry, Castle's Hilary Allard has teamed up with Wayne Davey of RML Naturals to deliver best practices and real-world examples of sales and marketing done right -- and wrong. To learn more, please email hallard@thecastlegrp.com.
Also, on December 9 & 10, Natural Products Consulting is hosting a natural and specialty sales seminar at the Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. Guest speakers will include Tim Sperry, former directory of grocery for Whole Foods, among others, and is hosted by long-time Castle friend and natural foods guru Bob Burke. Contact Bob at Bburke@NPCInstitute.com
for details. |
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