PRSA Idaho

Don’t miss the May 26 meeting at BSU

Posted by David Compton on May 23rd, 2011

Todd Dvorak, bureau chief for Associated Press and president of the southwest chapter of the Idaho Press Club, will moderate the discussion as Brian Cronin, Lynda Friesz-Martin and Randy Simon analyze the ethics and issues involved when communicators are sought to support government at local and state level. To RSVP or register go to register

Moderator Todd Dvorak – Todd is a 15-year veteran in newspapers and with the Associated Press. He has served as administrative correspondent for the AP’s Boise office since 2007, directing state and national coverage of Idaho politics, business, sports and other Idaho stories that hit national and international news markets. Before moving to Idaho, Todd worked for the AP for five years in Iowa. Todd is a Wisconsin native and graduate from the University of Minnesota. He’s an avid fly fisherman, runner, outdoor enthusiast, reader and craft beer geek. He’s been married to Meg for 17 years.

Panelists include:
Brian Cronin – A versatile and multifaceted communications professional, marketing strategist, writer, editor, spokesperson, speechwriter, political strategist, emcee, educator, and community volunteer. Diverse career trajectory includes work in public high schools, non-profits, a publishing house, a Fortune 50 company, and ad/marketing agencies. Brian was elected to the Idaho state legislature in 2008 and is the owner / president of Cronin and Associates.

Lynda Friesz-Martin – Lynda draws from 25 years of experience as a public relations/public involvement professional, with her services ranging from major corporate and public-sector clients, to special events and professional sports. Her strengths include project management, graphic design, web site design, facilitation and overseeing all of the day-to-day activities and business operations of her firm. Ms. Friesz-Martin has managed public involvement efforts for the City of Boise, Ada County Highway District, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Federal Highway Administration, Alaska Department of Transportation and the Idaho Transportation Department. She is the president of Lynda Friesz Public Relations.

Randy Simon – Prior to joining Gallatin Public Affairs, Randy spent the past decade as an award winning journalist working in New Mexico and Idaho. Though the majority of his time was spent in front of the camera, Randy also reported for the local newspaper and hosted a radio talk show. While in New Mexico, he educated political candidates on the nuances of public speaking, interviewing and campaign media strategies. Randy attended Baylor University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in environmental studies. From there he traveled to Washington D.C. and worked with the conservation group American Forests before studying journalism in graduate school at the University of Colorado.

Information, Persuasion or Propaganda? – A dialogue about Government & PR

Posted by David Compton on May 13th, 2011

We’ve seen the headlines, heard the critiques and had to defend our craft – so what is the real role of public relations counsel for government entities? Join in the discussion with a panel of your
public relations peers as we discuss the good, the bad and all things in between.

When: Thursday, May 26 12:00 – 1:30
Where: Boise State Student Union Building Lookout Room

RSVP to rsvp@prsaidaho.org and pay by check or cash at the door, or pay by credit card below.

A lunch will be served. Cost is $15 for guest, $10 for members and $5 for students.

Members and students should select the appropriate status for a discount if using a credit card.
[ online registration removed ]

Interested in Accreditation in Public Relations?

Posted by David Compton on April 21st, 2011

Join us April 28th in the Conference Room at Redsky Public Relations for this Webinar. Bring your own sandwich or brownbag lunch.

Accelerate Your Career in Public Relations
Free Webinar, Thursday, April 28
Redsky Public Relations, 404 8th Street, Suite 400, Boise 83702
1-2 p.m. MDT
Seating will be limited. RSVP today to rsvp@prsaidaho.org

Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for Your Future

Hear from communications strategist Jenny Schade, who will discuss how to grow your career in the midst of a dismal economy. As a former therapist, Schade interviewed more than 1,000 employees while guiding organizations through turbulent change. From her interviews, she recognized an interesting phenomenon — many employees are not only surviving the chaos, but thriving. She began referring to this group as “The Invincibles” for their efforts to bulletproof their careers against the extreme changes experienced today in organizations worldwide.

Schade will share the core qualities of hardy achievers she recognized across various industries and change situations. She will then lead a discussion with a panel of Accredited professionals who will discuss how becoming Accredited in Public Relations (APR) helped them become accomplished public relations practitioners. The panel will discuss what they, as employers, now look for in their hiring processes and how being Accredited can help job searchers land that special job.

INSTRUCTOR AND MODERATOR

Jenny Schade combines her background in communications and counseling psychology to help organizations answer that critical question, “How do your customers and employees feel about your products and services?” Prior to starting JRS Consulting more than 15 years ago, Jenny earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University, had a career counseling private practice and was director of recruitment for two years at Golin/Harris International in Chicago.
PANEL

Robert Hastings, APR+M, is senior vice president of communications at Bell Helicopter. He previously has held senior communications roles with BAE Systems. From 2008–2009, he served as assistant secretary of defense for Public Affairs. As the senior public affairs official and spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense, he advised on worldwide strategic communication, public information, internal information and community relations, leading a worldwide public affairs community of approximately 3,800 military and civilian personnel. Hastings also was a driving force in the development of the Department’s Strategic Communications concept of operations. He is the recipient of the PRSA 2010 Lloyd B. Dennis Distinguished Leadership Award, the PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and the International Association for Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award for Excellence in Communications Management.

Mary Henige, APR is director of social media and digital communications for General Motors. She has held numerous leadership positions during her career in areas like social media, corporate communications, strategic communications, issues management, marketing communications and media relations. Henige was the 2003 president of the PRSA Detroit Chapter, and co-chair of the PRSA 2008 International Conference.

District and Regional PRSA conferences

Posted by David Compton on April 14th, 2011

Portland Communicators Conference: Communicating in a Changing World – May 11 at the Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 (Hosted by the Portland Chapter of PRSA and the Oregon Columbia Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and sponsored by the North Pacific District)

Keynote speakers include:

• Jeanette Gibson, Director, Global Social Media Marketing at Cisco

• Katie Paine, the public relations industry’s measurement maven

• Michael Pranikoff, Global Director of Emerging Media for PR Newswire

Register at: https://www.prsa-portland.org/?q=EventRegister&id=386. $85 for PRSA Portland chapter members, $95 for non-members, $50 for students.

Western District Conference: PR Renaissance: A Revival of Intellectual and Artistic Public Relations – April 27-29 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas

Beyond today’s economic changes, the culture, strategy, and tactics of public relations are changing right before our eyes. The days of the “specialist” are quickly waning and yet we all need to be on the cutting edge of everything. At the same time, we must stay true to the classics and core principles that make public relations what it’s all about: relationships, multi-directional communications, solid tactical skills, ethical and legal considerations and more. Join the PRSA Western District for a veritable public relations renaissance with renewed interest. Classic learning and values will define the next era of public relations thinking.

This year’s amazing speaker lineup 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

A full conference schedule is now available. Register at prsawdc.org. $225 for PRSA members and $255 for non-members

Deputy AG Kane to speak at March 31 meeting

Posted by David Compton on March 25th, 2011

Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane will be replacing Attorney General Wasden at next week’s Idaho PRSA meeting. AG Wasden had to bow out due to a death in the family.

Brian Kane received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of Idaho. He earned his law degree from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Brian was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2000 and began his practice in the private sector.

In 2001, Brian was hired as a Deputy Attorney General in the Intergovernmental and Fiscal Law
Division of the Office of the Attorney General. He was promoted to Lead Deputy Attorney General
for that Division in 2004. One year later, Brian was again promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy
Attorney General.

Brian and his wife, Emily, have two children.

Meeting will be at 12:30 p.m. in the Simplot Conference Center at 999 Main Street, Boise, 83702.

RSVP by Mar 29 to Sydney Sallabanks at sydney.sallabanks@simplot.com. A boxed lunch will be served. Due to limited seating, members and guests who RSVP are asked to cover the cost of registration if they fail to attend without cancelation by March 30. Registration is $15 for members and guests and $5 for PRSSA students, cash or check.

Idaho AG Wasden to be featured at March 31 meeting

Posted by David Compton on March 22nd, 2011

Idaho Chapter of PRSA Meeting to discuss Legal Issues in Idaho – Mar 31, 2011

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden will be our guest on Thursday March 31 to discuss legal issues that impact public relations professionals in Idaho. As the senior legal officer for the state of Idaho, AG Wasden is responsible for our laws and procedures that govern open meetings, public documents and the disclosure of information by state and local officials. The Idaho Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America invites members and guest to attend this important meeting if you:

- handle public meetings
- produce documents in support of government agencies
- write a blog or website
- act as spokesperson for state or local agency
- are a reporter

Lawrence Wasden is Idaho’s 32^nd Attorney General. He was elected to a third term in 2010 and is Idaho’s longest serving Attorney General. He is a 22-year veteran of the Office of Attorney General serving in a variety of positions. He is the past president of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and past Chair of or the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG). In 2007, he was selected by the Aspen Institute for a fellowship program honoring public leaders as “the true rising stars” of American politics. AG Wasden obtained his J.D. from the University of Idaho and his bachelor of Arts from BYU.

Meeting will be at 12:30 p.m. in the Simplot Conference Center at 999 Main Street, Boise, 83702.

Job Opening – Idaho Power

Posted by David Compton on February 2nd, 2011

Corporate Communications Specialist – Idaho Power

Tracking Code 1473

Job Location Boise, Idaho

Salary $63,835 – 76,876 (exempt)

Application Deadline 02/18/11 (5:00 p.m. MST)

Job Description
The Corporate Communications Specialist establishes, develops and leads innovative communication strategies engaging internal or external publics, resulting in greater understanding, trust and/or behavioral change that supports Idaho Power’s mission, goals and critical success factors. Responsible for project management functions, specifically to plan, implement, deliver and evaluate communication activities for business initiatives or proactive efforts directed to all constituents including: customers, shareowners, regulatory agencies, community leaders, media, employees and retirees. Delivers clear, consistent and informative messages through traditional and new communication vehicles and channels to champion Idaho Power’s corporate identity and brand. Utilizes core communication skills and demonstrates an understanding of communication disciplines. Balances the integration of business strategy and objectives to ensure all communication material, methods and vehicles are informative and engaging.

Required Skills
Knowledge of public relations, marketing communication and advertising trends and best practices; AP Style news writing; event planning; research methodologies; project management principles, techniques and tools; working knowledge of presentation and audio/video equipment. Skills in communication, including strong writing and verbal skills; English grammar and spelling; storytelling, articulating complex, sensitive information; public speaking and presentation; completing projects/tasks using a systematic, project management approach; effectively gaining understanding and commitment; Microsoft Office applications; and analytical, practical-thinking and creative skills. Ability to adapt, remaining open to change, be flexible when needed and able to continue performing work responsibilities despite changing situations; manage multiple tasks at one time, quickly shift attention and priorities as needed while meeting deadlines; identify, analyze and translate problems into practical solutions, then rally others; maintain confidentiality of sensitive or compliance-protected company information; work independently as well as within a team; motivate, negotiate and persuade; use project management tools and other related software applications; and be detail-oriented, with a professional, polite demeanor.

Required Experience
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, public relations, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience: Five years professional experience in marketing communication, news media, public relations or media relations. Licenses/Certifications: Valid drivers license with acceptable driving record according to driving requirements of the position.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
Experience: Eight or more years of professional communication experience in a corporate environment. Knowledge of emerging media (such as twitter, YouTube, facebook and blogs) as well as traditional web media; social media monitoring/trending applications; emerging digital media tools, emerging media strategy development and associated best-practices; traditional web technology and practices. Skills in search engine and social media optimization; strong verbal and writing skills, including moving fluidly between AP Style and social media-appropriate tone and manner.

Competencies
Communication, Impact, Adaptability, Work Standards, Stress Tolerance, Continuous Learning, Planning and Organizing, Negotiation, Gaining Commitment, Building Strategic Working Relationships, and Customer Focus.

Additional Requirements
Successful applicant should have a basic understanding of energy issues, regulatory and legal practices and the region’s political climate; how corporate actions, policies and decisions influence employee and public perceptions. This position will intermittently work in the field and occasionally within proximity of energized lines. Will serve on-call during non-business hours.

Idaho Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Idaho Power · P.O. Box 70 · Boise, ID 83707 · jobs@idahopower.com · www.idahopower.com/careers

Job Opening Media Public Relations Manager (closed)

Posted by David Compton on January 9th, 2011

This position has been filled.

Work for us and let your voice be heard. Join a company that’s actively working to transform the health care system. A place where employees are encouraged to speak up and share innovative ideas. A community that passionately rejects the status quo.

Media / Public Relations Manager

Boise, ID; Salt Lake City, UT

Serve as media spokesperson specific to Idaho and Utah markets

Bring your PR leadership to the following role:

Assist in increasing Regence’s visibility throughout its markets; help enhance the positive image of the company in the communities it serves, and strengthen Regence’s corporate culture through developing and implementing strategic public relations plans, and providing counsel and support to corporate functions
Proactively establish relationships with key print and electronic media sources, including local, regional and diversity media as appropriate

Combine your degree and media communications experience with the following skills and abilities:

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
5-8 years experience in public affairs and extensive experience in media relations
Online media experience preferred
Previous experience in the health care preferred
Effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format, and build and maintain relationships internally and externally
Develop and implement strategic media relations and public affairs campaigns plans locally and regionally
Team player, with the confidence and diplomacy to take the lead and guide other departments and/or individuals when necessary
Proven ability to generate earned media
Proven ability to establish good working relationships with reporters and editors
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to creatively approach challenges and projects and to work both independently and in teams effectively for the best possible outcome
Strategic yet creative thinker, self-starter, cool under pressure and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to meet deadlines

Hard work and dedication is rewarded at Regence:

We offer a competitive salary as well as a generous benefits package and exam study time

For consideration, please visit our Web site at www.regence.com/careers and Apply Online to Job # 18646.

Ready for a healthy future?

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug and tobacco-free workplace. Drug Screening and Background Check is required.

CyberAlert offering grants

Posted by David Compton on December 14th, 2010

For the eighth consecutive year, CyberAlert, Inc. will award public
relations grants to a minimum of 15 not-for-profit organizations in the
U.S. and Canada.

Each grant consists of one full year of free press clipping/media monitoring
service from CyberAlert. Each grant ranges in value from $3,000 to $4,500.

CyberAlert is accepting grant applications until December 31 and will
announce grant recipients in early January. A simple and secure grant
application is available online at https://secure.cyberalert.com/grants.html

News Release:

2011 PR Grants Available for Not-for-Profit Organizations

Stratford, CT. — 12/06/2010 — CyberAlert, Inc., the worldwide media monitoring service, will award a minimum of 15 public relations grants to not-for-profit organizations for 2010. Each PR grant award consists of one full year of free news monitoring / press clipping services or social media monitoring service, ranging in value from $3,000 to $4,500.

From 2004 to 2010, CyberAlert awarded 144 media monitoring grants to not-for-profit organizations, including 20 grants in 2010, with an aggregate value of over $300,000. Among the grant recipients for 2010 were American Association on Health and Disability, Coaching Association of Canada, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Mercy Ships, National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, National Wildlife Federation, Redlight Children’s Campaign, Vascular Disease Foundation and Young Americans.

In past years, the PR grants were restricted to organizations in the United States and Canada. This year all not-for-profit organizations worldwide are eligible to apply for a grant, except for previous grant recipients.

CyberAlert is accepting grant applications until December 31 and will announce the grant recipients in January. More information and a simple and secure grant application is available online at https://secure.cyberalert.com/grantsX.html.

Contact:
Kristin O’Connor
800-461-7353

About CyberAlert:

Founded in 1999, CyberAlert (www.cyberalert.com) is a worldwide news monitoring, broadcast monitoring, social media monitoring and media measurement service. Its CyberAlert® 5.0 worldwide online news monitoring service monitors 55,000+ online news sources each day in 250+ languages in 191 countries. The company’s TV broadcast monitoring service monitors the closed caption text of over 2,100 news programs on over 600 TV stations in the Top 100 markets in the United States. For social media monitoring (online word-of-mouth), its NetPinions™ service monitors over 100,000 Web message boards and UseNet news groups for consumer insight about companies, products, key issues and trends. Its BlogSquirrel™ service monitors over 7 million blog postings each day from a total of 75+ million blogs worldwide. CyberAlert VDO™ each day monitors online video clips on 200+ video sharing and social media websites like YouTube. CyberAlert also monitors all Twitter tweets and public Facebook posts. CyberAlert offers a no-risk 14-day free media monitoring trial of all its services.

‘Cocktails and Candidates’ IDPRSA Nov 4 meeting

Posted by David Compton on October 14th, 2010

“Cocktails and Candidates:

A post-election perspective on campaign communications”

What does it take to win? The dust from the 2010 elections has settled, but we’re still wondering: What worked and what didn’t? Hear from the spokesmen for the Idaho governor’s race how they leveraged old and new campaign tactics to share their candidate’s platform, persuade voters, maximize media opportunities and present the best message, every day.

Ryan Panitz and Shea Andersen represented Butch Otter and Keith Allred, respectively. They’ll describe their jobs, their strategies and take your questions about what worked and what didn’t. Want the inside scoop on the changing landscape of political communications? They’ve got it.

Thursday, November 4

5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m.

Berryhill, 121 N 9th St. Boise

Speakers:

Shea Andersen, communications director, Allred for Idaho

Shea is the director of communications for Allred for Idaho, the campaign of Keith Allred. He has been an award-winning reporter and editor in Idaho and numerous other Western states. He is also past president of the Southwest Chapter of the Idaho Press Club. Shea holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the Colorado College and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon.

Ryan Panitz, communications director, Otter for Idaho

A University of Missouri School of Journalism graduate, Ryan spent years on camera as an anchor and reporter in Idaho and Iowa, winning multiple awards in both states. He also worked in sports production with FOX Sports, ABC/ESPN, and CBS Sports that included multiple Super Bowls, MLB All-Star & playoff games, and NHL Stanly Cup Playoffs. Ryan then managed sponsorship sales and integrated marketing campaigns for the Special Olympics National and World Games.

Moderator:

Ysabel Bilbao, regional integrated communications officer, University of Idaho

Ysabel is an award winning journalist who has covered news throughout Idaho, most recently at KTVB News Group as anchor for the Saturday Morning News and as a reporter focusing primarily on crime, courts, and the legislature. Before joining KTVB, Ysabel worked as a general assignment reporter for KIFI in Idaho Falls. In her new role at the University of Idaho, Ysabel focuses on communication and media initiatives in southern and eastern Idaho. Along with getting the general news of the University out into the public, Ysabel works to support the University’s legislative agenda. Ysabel is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications.

RSVP to rsvp@prsaidaho.org or on Facebook required by November 1.

Registration is $10.00 and includes Berryhill appetizers and beverage tickets. Payable at the door by cash or check only.

Members

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