May 2009 L.A. Connect

L.A. Connect is pleased to introduce "Ask the Board" – a new section of the newsletter that enables readers to pose questions directly to PRSA-LA's Board of Directors.

This month we've asked PRSA-LA Vice President and 2010 President-Elect Eric Moses for the answer.

Q:  Times are tough and I have to watch my expenses. Why should I retain my PRSA-LA membership?
 
A:  Investing in your professional education is especially important in this economy because it can help you keep your job and compete more effectively when things rebound. That's why the LA Chapter is focusing like a laser on programs that provide members with the tools they need to develop and implement cutting-edge communications plans. As a PRSA-LA member, you have access to a range of low-cost webinars, social media seminars, the popular "At Breakfast With" discussion series with local reporters, and our growing online job resource center. Membership also provides access to national PRSA programs, which include free webinars and subscriptions to industry-specific newsletters and databases. Moreover, membership remains with the individual as long as it's current, even if you change jobs.

PRSA offers a quarterly payment plan option, and members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled may be eligible for "hardship renewal." More information is available on the PRSA Web site or by contacting a Member Services representative at membership@prsa.org / (212) 460-1400.

If you have a question for the Board, please send it to prsala@aol.com with "Ask the Board" in the subject line.

Wilcox Talks at Cause Marketing Forum

Allison & Partners General Manager Dawn Wilcox, APR is headed to Chicago on May 27th to present a pre-conference workshop at the 7th Annual Cause Marketing Forum (CMF). The half-day workshop, titled "For Business Only: Enhancing Cause Marketing in Today's Economy," will be led by Dawn and Allison & Partners Co-Founder Scott Pansky. Dawn is a PRSA-LA board member with a long history of developing PR programs with social impact. She launched the L.A. Chapter's first-of-its-kind "Quality Time with PR Minds" program in 2004.

Pillow Launches New Firm

PRSA-LA Board Member and Web Site/New Media Committee Chair Keith R. Pillow, APR has launched Caddy Marketing and Communications, Inc. – a full-service marketing and communications consulting firm geared toward helping small and mid-sized businesses across various industries. The Ventura County native (and avid golfer) launches his firm with almost two decades of agency and corporate experience. Caddy Marketing is teed-up and ready for business at caddymarketingonline.com.

Gold Expands Client Roster, Gains Foothold in Healthcare

Torrance-based Bob Gold & Associates has added Time Warner Cable – West Region and Bay Harbor Podiatry Group to its growing list of clients. Best known for serving firms in the cable, telecommunications and technology industries, the agency also has roots in the healthcare field. In 1981, Principal and Founder Bob Gold entered the cable TV industry as a PR manager for Cable Health Network (currently Lifetime). The agency's work for Bay Harbor Podiatry will focus on introducing a new laser procedure to eradicate nail fungus.

Tateel Reveals Tips for Working with Celebs

PRSA-LA President Rita Tateel is quoted extensively in the May 8th edition of PRWeek for a story headlined "Select the right celebrity for your campaign." Her comments focus on the steps required to ensure that the partnership doesn't go awry. The story is available on PRWeek's Web site (login required). In addition, Tateel is scheduled to present a session titled "Working with Celebrities" at the BizBash-LA event on June 11th (see BizBash discount offer below).

Julian Myers, APR Renews Membership After 35-Year Hiatus

While it's not uncommon for someone to rejoin PRSA after letting his or her membership lapse for a year or two, it's very uncommon to return after a 35 year hiatus.

But "uncommon" is a word that aptly describes returning PRSA member Julian Myers.

If you've ever met Julian, you know that he's a uniquely spry 91 year-old who's focused entirely on the future. He's also an avid marathon runner with more stamina than many people half his age. In case you're wondering, Julian still runs (yes runs) full marathons… all 26-plus miles.

Julian plans to live to be at least 120, and has no intention to retire from running or his namesake PR agency based in Marina del Rey. He's always on the lookout for new clients, and has become an institution at UCLA Extension, where he has taught since the early 1970s.

When asked why he decided to renew his membership after all these years, Julian explained that the PR business has become so competitive that it's important to pursue every career advantage.

"I think renewing my membership will be good for me professionally," he said. "I want to differentiate myself from PR pros who aren't PRSA members. I also want to re-connect with old friends and start using my APR again."

Julian says his secret to longevity is finding a goal, preferably one with social or civic value, that will take a long time to achieve.

To this end, he devotes much of his time to Amigo Day, a pet project to encourage people to devote the first Sunday of every month to forming new friendships, and making the world a better place in the process. He's currently looking for a corporate sponsor.

"I don't give a damn about yesterday, and I'm not all that interested in today," Myers insists. "I always look forward to tomorrow!"