August 31, 2010

Gmail launches a major time-saver

Would you love to save a week's worth of work-time by eliminating useless email messages? Who wouldn't? According to this Mashable article, Gmail has launched a new system for prioritizing emails based on who you email frequently, subject keywords and other options....and while Gmail may currently be the only system to filter through emails like this, it could be the wave of the future.

Read the article

Don't forget: our chapter has a Delicious account!

Sweepstakes article shares legality of promotions

Giveaways have been a way to build brand excitement for a long time, but there are rules to consider in order to keep things legal. Check out this Mashable article.

Don't forget: our chapter also has a Delicious account where we can bookmark and share articles!

August 27, 2010

Professional Development: Opportunities Abound!

Thanks to Tamera Heitz-Peek and committee for organizing the PR Boot Camp, held yesterday, August 26. There was a great turn out from the community and members - and it was a fantastic dialogue on tricks of the trade. Also, thanks to the speakers who gave of their time, energy and expertise!

Hope to see a great PRSA turnout for the upcoming professional development conference, "Buzz for Your Business," September 30 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

August 26, 2010

Evidence of a resurge for journalists

Here's a glimmer of hope for the journalism industry: The Evolution of the Journalism Job Market. For those of us in public relations, we still need to grow and change with technology and non-traditional media. The fact that journalism is experiencing a bit of a resurge, though, is definitely a good thing, even if it's in a less traditional setting.

Don't forget, we also have a Delicious account bookmarking interesting articles to share!

August 25, 2010

Get in the Game

Ever wonder what all the jargon means? Feel a little out of the loop? Read through this "Idiot's Guide to Understanding Today's Marketing Catchphrases" and get on the same page.

Don't forget - tomorrow is the PR Boot Camp - you can register now!

August 13, 2010

The relationship between journalists and public relations

I found this interesting post reminding public relations professionals that your PR efforts shouldn't solely be aimed at journalists - it should start at home. It's a good reminder - especially in an age where most PR pros are busy with social media and the web as well - that each of our actions should be part of a greater strategic and integrated plan. And that writing a press release alone means very little.

Read the post here

August 11, 2010

The 2010 Dr. Joe McAdoo Scholarship Winner is.....

Congratulations to Jaclyn Cantrell. She is the recipient of the 2010 Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship.  Cantrell, a junior at Drury University, is majoring in speech communication and international political studies and expects to graduate in May 2012.

The $1,000 scholarship is presented annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student and selection is based on interest and involvement in communications, academic standing and campus and/or community involvement.

Dr. Joe McAdoo is a founder and past president of the Public Relations Association of Springfield (which evolved into SWMO PRSA) and former chair of the Department of Communication at Drury University. He was committed to fostering educational opportunities that maintain the distinction and integrity of the public relations profession.



The Community Foundation of the Ozarks manages the scholarship fund.

August lunch webinar

How to Reach Audiences Via Mobile Devices - August 24 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The number of people using their mobile devices to access news and information more than doubled from January 2008 to 2009, with 35 percent of those surveyed now using their mobile devices for this purpose daily (according to ComScore). Are you in on the action? Learn how to reach your audiences by delivering “snack-sized” content to their iPhones, BlackBerrys and other mobile devices — aka the “third screen.” Mike Brewer will take you on a tour of global best practices to find out what public relations and communications efforts are most effective with mobile audiences. Learn to grab the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls of mobile communications.

Drury Student Awarded Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Jaclyn Cantrell. She is the recipient of the 2010 Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship.

Cantrell, a junior at Drury University, is majoring in speech communication and international political studies and expects to graduate in May 2012.

The $1,000 scholarship is presented annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student and selection is based on interest and involvement in communications, academic standing and campus and/or community involvement.

Dr. Joe McAdoo is a founder and past president of the Public Relations Association of Springfield (which evolved into SWMO PRSA) and former chair of the Department of Communication at Drury University. He was committed to fostering educational opportunities that maintain the distinction and integrity of the public relations profession.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks manages the scholarship fund.

August 9, 2010

PR Boot Camp – Tools For Public Relations Success

Enlist in this action-packed Boot Camp and take away tangible strategies and tactics on starting, building or improving upon your public relations efforts. This PR Boot Camp is presented by The Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Aug. 26. This half-day event will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

The program incorporates five sessions designed to help those who want to learn or brush up on tools to promote their business or organization – whether it’s a small business, non-profit organization, church or public office. Those sessions include: Starting from Scratch – A Recipe for PR Success; Keeping it Fresh – Tactics for Energizing Your Brand; Secrets From a Pro – 5 Things You Must Know Now; Crisis Strikes, Media Calls, What Now? – An Interactive Approach to Handling the Heat; and No Budget? No Problem! – 7 Strategies You Can Start Today.

Good public relations are important to every organization and every level. This event is open to the public. To register, visit www.swmoprsa.org. For Chamber members, the cost is $40 and for other non-members the cost is $50.

This fee includes a light breakfast, lunch and all program materials. For more information, contact Tamera Heitz-Peek at 417-328-7245.

August 4, 2010

Learning analytics

ROI is something we all try to gauge, and even experts will tell you that analytics aren't fail-proof. But with all of the different ways to communicate and ways to disperse your time and energy, it is important to try to understand this growing and evolving area.

This post deals specifically with web traffic, but it's worth a read to learn a little more about analytics. It may also help you in your writing, as it addresses keywords, SEO, etc.

Read the article

Crisis scenario

PRSA National posted today a case study from the Red Cross - a story told from the perspective of a young PR professional learning crisis communication during Hurrican Katrina. Although most of us won't be exposed to this type of scrutiny in our jobs, at least not regularly, communicating during a crisis is something we all need to be fresh on so that when and if the time comes, we are able to respond appropriately.

Read the article here

August 3, 2010

Job opportunity

Job Posting for Asst. Marketing Leader
The Springfield office of BKD, LLP the 10th largest CPA and advisory firm in the country, has an opening for an assistant marketing leader. This position will provide leadership and support in our management team’s efforts to complement our successful client service culture. Our clients represent a variety of industries including construction and real estate, financial institutions, health care, manufacturing and distribution and not-for-profit/government.

We are seeking an experienced marketing and business development professional focused on internal and external operations. Experience in marketing professional services and market research analysis is helpful in this position as well as strong writing skills.

This position will be responsible for our internal newsletter and intranet development and maintenance. Individual will assist in identifying market opportunities, implementing internal and external marketing programs and tracking. Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with partners and managers towards the successful execution of their marketing needs. Additional duties include conference planning, market data analysis, strategic planning, support of the sales process as well as media relations writing.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who are motivated, self-starting and possess excellent time management and communication skills. Dedication to client service is essential to managing and coordinating our marketing and business development efforts. Team orientation is essential. A college degree, preferably in business, marketing or other related area, along with a minimum 2-4 years experience in marketing and business development is required.

BKD offers competitive wages and a complete benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, paid vacations and holidays.

BKD is a growth-oriented firm with excellent management and a top-notch reputation. Our most valuable asset is our people, and their collective values of passion, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence, PRIDE. You see our partners and employees “living the PRIDE” everyday as they provide solutions for our clients’ business and financial needs.

BKD, LLP is an equal opportunity employer with policies designed to ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, employment, promotion, compensation, training and development without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion or creed, disability, national origin or any other protected status.

For more information about BKD, visit bkd.com.

Contact Person
Marci Bowling
mbowling@bkd.com
417 865-8701 (phone) 417 865-0682 (fax)

BKD, LLP
P.O. Box 1190
Springfield, MO 65801-1190

Reading the right stuff to keep you on top of your game

Twitter is a great consolidator/aggregator - if you follow the right types of people who distribute the right types of information, you can receive links to the best news, tips, articles and research in your area. Jay Rosen is a professor of journalism at NYU, and in this article, he talks about who he reads and follows to stay on top of his field.

Read the article here

And don't forget, many of the great articles you find on here are bookmarked and available also through Delicious.