June 2005 eNews

"This edition of PRSA-St. Louis Chapter eNews is sponsored by "VMS." Check out their Web site for the newest in video monitoring.

What's in this issue?
1) June/July Program reminders - registration guidelines
2) Say farewell to the Junior League lunches, hello Ces & Judy's
3) Diversity adds online resources
4) Chapter Renewals, Comings and Goings
5) Latest PRSA Membership special
6) Chapter opportunities – For professional growth, recognition

1) June 15 luncheon reminder at the Junior League
"When Activists Attack: Challenges of a Grateful Dead Widow and Other Real-Life Adventures in Issues Management" An organization's actions before, during and after an attack by activist groups will determine the attack's long-term effect on the organization's reputation. Chris Horner, Director, Public Affairs for Monsanto, offers anecdotes and advice based on real-world experiences dealing with activists' hot-button issues. Go to When Activists Attack... or Register Now for more info and to sign up.

Up next (July 20) Chris Kiersch, director, e-mail marketing, and David O’Brien, PR Account Supervisor, of Brighton, for the latest high-tech PR tools and how you can use them to promote your own product or service.

Missed a recent speaker/presenter? Go to our Speakers and scroll down the left side for a report/review of the (May) Ameristar workplace success story shared by Mike Knopfel and Denice McKeown. You're also a click away from other past presentations.

2) PRSA Luncheon Meetings "On the Move" Beginning in July
For several years, PRSA and the Junior League of St. Louis have enjoyed an outstanding relationship, which is why it is so difficult to be taking our business elsewhere beginning in July. But as you may know, the Junior League is ceasing its banquet and meeting room facilities effective June 18. Thus our June 15 meeting will be the last held at this location. As the JL's location (right off of Highway 40) is appealing to many of our members, our site location committee is pleased to announce that, beginning with our July 20 luncheon meeting, we will be meeting right next door. Well, almost. For the remainder of 2005, our luncheon meetings will be held at Ces & Judy's, in La Chateau Village at 10405 Clayton Road, just east of the Junior League (still west of Lindbergh). La Chateau also offers free parking on its surface lot, and we look forward to beginning a longstanding relationship with our new friends at Ces & Judy's. Special thanks to Chuck Reitter, president-elect and programming chair, who led the search committee. We look forward to seeing you - members and friends alike - at our remaining 2005 luncheon meetings and beyond. - Jeff Waldman, 2005 Chapter President

Know Your Members on Sight

Ed Bryant, Pfizer; Tom Keller, Logan College of Chiropractic; Ted Siegel, Ascension Health.

3) Diversity adds Communicator's Resource Guide, other
Your Diverse Workplace Question of the Month - How do you start building a Workplace Diversity Strategy? As a communicator, with multiple tasks on your plate at any hour of the day (or night), you may not understand what a “workplace diversity strategy” means or why your company needs one. Yet, as a communicator, you serve as the “voice” of your organization. And that voice must reach a diverse employee base and a diverse marketplace. Living up to that responsibility can be daunting. Amongst daily deadlines, how does one also champion diversity? Our thought is, you start slowly. We are here to help. As part of our Diversity Initiative launched this year, we have begun building The Communicator's Diversity Resource Center. You'll find links to an example of workplace diversity strategy and sample diversity statements from CEOs. Have a diversity question? - Email us at diversity@prsastlouis.org. We are assembling a panel of local communicators implementing diversity initiatives at their companies to help answer your questions in future eNews updates. If you are a communicator involve in diversity initiatives, consider volunteering for our panel. Email us at the same address if interested.

4) Chapter Membership Update, Renewals and On the Move

Extend a special welcome to these New Members
Isaac A. Blankson, PhD Assistant Professor and Director of Technology, SIU/Edwardsville
Kevin J. Fowler, Sr. Director Public Affairs, Pfizer, Inc.*
Barbara O'Malley, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, SIU/Edwardsville
Kathryn Dian Stroppel, Director, Strategic Communications, Truman State (Kirksville)*
Heidi Crist Templeton, PR Director, Truman State University (Kirksville)*
Teri M. Wylde, PR Specialist, Scottrade
_{* Pending payment of chapter dues}

And give a shout to these Renewing Members
Jerry Anderson, Senor Service Plus, Inc.; Edward Reynolds Davis, President Casino; Kelly J. Ferrara, The Vandiver Group; Sarah G. Fuhrmann, v-Fluence Interactive Public Relations, Inc.; Lynn McDowell Harmon, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.; Jeanne Howard, Commerce Bank; Kathryn Rickard Hundman, Saint Louis University; Dallas A. Meneely, APR, Consultant; Kaite Ann Northcutt, Nestle Purina PetCare Company; Danielle Oser, APR, Brown Smith Wallace, LLC; Shuntae M. Shields-Ryan, Downtown St. Louis Partnership; Mistie L. Thompson, The Standing Partnership; Carrie V. Trammell, Weber Shandwick Worldwide; Marie K. Yancey, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

When you pay chapter dues direct you save your chapter $5 which normally goes to National as a processing fee. See the renewal information on our Membership page.

Chapter members on the Move
Lynn McDowell Harmon, from Fleishman-Hillard Inc., to Lynn Harmon
Ted Siegel, to Ascension Health from St. John's Mercy Medical Center.

5) Latest Membership Special ends this month
Join PRSA by the end of June, 2005 and add a one-year enrollment in one of our Professional Interest Sections for Free - a $60 savings. What are Professional Interest Sections? 'Sections' are designed to focus on issues, trends and research in your specialized practice area. Sections offer seminars, teleseminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, monographs, Web sites and electronic exchange with a nationwide network of public relations professionals in specific fields of interest. As a Section member you are provided with: professionals sharing with professionals; customized development programs; a forum where you can contribute your expertise; resources to increase your effectiveness, and leadership opportunities. To see a list of the 19 sections as well as a special application, go to “Membership.” This offer valid until to June 30, 2005, for new members at Full Member rate.

6) Chapter Opportunities for Growth/Recognition
Community Outreach - Pro Bono help for Non-Profits.
The Community Outreach Committee of PRSA-St. Louis is looking for members interested in providing pro-bono advice to local charities and other non-profit organizations seeking help with crisis communications, media relations, newsletter development and more. Contact Diana Minardi Strauss at dmstrauss@earthlink.net for more details.

The April, May and June 2005 editions of our chapter eNews are sponsored by VMS. Thanks for their support.