2013 PRism Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships Now Available     

   

Just who are the distinguished men, women and organizations being recognized as PRSA-LA's 2013 PRism Special Honorees?  Below you'll find a short bio on each; make sure to join us November 6 to see them accept their awards and congratulate them on their success. 

 

The California Science Center has earned PRism recognition for its well-planned and successful effort to turn all of Southern California's attention to the arrival of the Space Shuttle Endeavor to Los Angeles in 2012, and for managing intense public and news media interest in the craft's slow and meticulous journey along city streets to its new home at the Center. Look for more "behind the scenes" details in a story to be published in the November issue of PRSA's Tactics.

The California Science Center, located in Exposition Park across from the University of Southern California and next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, provides an innovative model for science learning by combining exhibits with an on-site Science Center School, the Amgen Center for Science Learning, and a professional teacher development program.

The Science Center is open to the public seven days a week, 362 days a year, with free general admission to its permanent exhibit galleries. The facility, which opened in February 1998, spans more than 400,000 sq. feet and includes three other major exhibit areas.

Deane Leavenworth

Deane Leavenworth was named regional vice president, government relations for Time Warner Cable's West Region in 2009. Mr. Leavenworth oversees government relations activities including compliance, regulation and legislation in California, Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona.

Leavenworth joined Time Warner Cable in 2001 and served as vice president of external affairs with local responsibilities in government relations, community relations and media relations. During this time, he worked closely with the company's various business units to establish numerous Time Warner Cable Technology Centers in communities of need throughout the greater Los Angeles Area.

Before joining Time Warner Cable, Leavenworth served as a senior official in the City of Los Angeles Mayor's office and the Third Council District. Prior to his City service he led Leavenworth Associates, an issue-oriented public relations firm with an emphasis on pro-social public/private partnerships.

Leavenworth began his career as a special education teacher, establishing one of the West Coast's first computer-managed and computer-assisted instructional laboratories.

Leavenworth serves on the executive committees of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, where he co-chairs the Education and Work Force Development Council. He is also a member of the California Cable and Telecommunications Association and serves on the CSUN Foundation Board and Dean's Advisory Committee. He is a former chair of the Los Angeles Chapter of Cable Positive--the cable industry initiative to educate the public about AIDS/HIV. He was a founding member and chair of Safe Kids LA, dedicated to reducing preventable unintentional childhood death and injury, and the Friends of the Madrid Theatre.

Time Warner Cable is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the U.S., connecting more than 15 million customers to entertainment, information and each other.

Frank Mottek

Frank Mottek is widely recognized as the voice of business news in Los Angeles. He currently anchors business reports including The Business Hour on the CBS all-news station, KNX 1070 News Radio.

Mottek is an award-winning broadcaster with more than 30 years experience in radio and television news including KTLA Channel 5, CBS-2 in Los Angeles, and The Nightly Business Report on PBS. Before that he spent many years on radio and television in Miami.

Mottek leads some of the highest-profile business discussions and events in Southern California for groups including the Southern California Association of Governments, L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, L.A. Business Journal CEO Conference and the Association for Corporate Growth.

He has previously served as president of the Florida AP Broadcasters and currently serves as president of the Greater L.A. Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He also serves on the executive board of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research and on the board of directors of the Radio Television News Association of Southern California.

Stefan Pollack

President of the Pollack PR Marketing Group, Stefan Pollack has helped guide the agency's ongoing expansion. Pollack oversees the management of all client services, new business development and financial planning for the agency. He also develops strategic direction, positioning and branding and oversees the implementation of complete marketing and public relations programs on behalf of clients in various industries.

In his 25 years at the agency, Pollack has managed clients in many industry sectors including chambers of commerce, investment banking, financial services, legal, non-profit, consumer products, high tech services, direct marketing, toys, aerospace, education and real estate.

In 2013, Pollack published his first book, "Disrupted," instructing communications professionals on how to reach the next generation of media consumers.

Pollack is the immediate past chair of the board of the Worldcom Public Relations Group's America Region and is a past chairman of the board of the Century City Chamber of Commerce. He also is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter. Pollack has held several additional board positions including the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, and The Maple Counseling Center. He is also on the faculty of USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and has taught classes at UCLA's Extension Division.

   

"The Marriage Between Brand and Charity: How State Farm Partners with Habitat for Humanity International"  

Doing good while doing business is now an expectation of most customers.  While cause marketing and corporate philanthropy continue to be priorities for many companies, when it comes to these initiatives there are varying degrees of success.

Companies that do it well have a lot to teach those who seek to get it right in terms of creativity, business boosting, stakeholder engagement and partnership management.

This program is a case study in how two highly respected global brands came together to create a mutually beneficial business relationship while making a positive impact on the world. You'll hear from the leadership of both teams about why they chose to partner, how they forged a lasting alliance, and what they do to keep the effort fresh and meaningful.

Please save the date! Panelist names, event location and other details will be posted soon on the PRSA-LA website.

   

PRSA-LA Board Member Denis Wolcott Shares How APR Credential Has Advanced His Career     

Denis Wolcott, APR

Denis Wolcott, APR, says many experiences have contributed to his industry expertise. He's served as an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor, was vice president of one of the state's largest independent public relations and public affairs firms, chaired PRSA's Western District, served as president of PRSA-LA, and founded The Wolcott Company, where he creates, implements and manages media relations, consumer, business-to-business, multicultural, social marketing, public affairs and election campaigns.

Earning his accreditation in public relations (APR) was valuable, too.  We sat with Denis to learn more about his experiences with APR, in hope that his experience will be encouraging to other members.

Why did you pursue your APR?

DW: I pursued my APR to further enhance my career and to further support the profession. My father was national PRSA president at the time APR was created, and although he was offered the chance to be "grandfathered" into an APR designation because of his status in the profession and in the organization, he insisted on taking the APR exam as an example to other PR executives.

How has your APR benefited you?

DW: Studying for the APR exam immediately benefited my career because it filled in some gaps for me. I was a former journalist and never was professionally educated in PR, so the books gave me some additional background I needed for my PR career. Studying for and taking the APR exam also enhanced my personal confidence, giving me additional tools that I could utilize when providing strategic counsel to existing clients and enhancing my position with potential ones. The good news is that clients ask about the designation, which provides me great opportunity to impress them with lengths we undertake to remain professional and ethical.

PRSA-LA is grateful to Denis for leading two of the sessions in the chapter's most recent accreditation preparation class series. His engaging teaching style helped the APR candidates understand the nuances of ethics and legal considerations, crisis communications, management skills and PR in government, business and industry.

If you're interested pursuing your APR, contact Rebecca Mikkelsen, APR at rebeccam@usa.net or 626.660.5231.

   

Bob Gold & Associates Teams With Longboard Marketing

 

Bob Gold

Bob Gold & Associates recently expanded its marketing division by making Longboard Marketing the in-house creative marketing arm of the agency. The well-known and highly regarded Southern California-based marketing firm has guided countless consumer and B2B event campaigns, winning many industry laurels and customer accolades. Longboard, which has worked for brands including ESPN/ABC, Fox, the NFL and Verizon, will be based in Bob Gold & Associates' Redondo Beach headquarters. Longboard founder Randy Rovegno will assume the role of vice president for brand activation in the newly joined company.

 

 

Charlie Gu Joins China Luxury Advisors   

 

Charlie Gu

PRSA-LA Board Member Charlie Gu recently accepted a new position as account manager with China Luxury Advisors. In his new role, Gu is charged with planning and executing a Chinese consumer marketing strategy for The Beverly Center. Gu formerly spent three years as a senior associate with David Lang & Associates, where in addition to serving the public affairs interests of a local clientele he led new business development in travel and destination marketing in China and the U.S.