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Newsletter Archive

Welcome,

October 2005 WWPR E-Newsletter

In this Issue:


Dear WWPR Supporter,

There’s been much written about the tremendous opportunities for women to excel in the field of public relations. Some theories point to women’s excellent verbal skills or ability to build strong relationships as possible indicators of success. Whatever the case, all we need to do is look at the membership of WWPR to see the great contributions women are making everyday to public relations in the Washington, D.C. area. Our membership includes women who own firms—many whom have been in business for themselves for more than 30 years. Others are executives leading teams at international firms or heading up public relations divisions for non-profit organization and NGOs alike. And for every woman who has achieved success after tears of hard work, motivation and tough decisions, there are others who are just beginning in the field and who look to the “ranks” for guidance and support in what can be a very challenging field to break into.

As Washington Women in Public Relations puts the finishing touches on its November Woman of the Year event (for details visit www.wwwpr.org) at which we will honor outstanding contributors to the field, we invite you to consider your membership to WWPR as a key component in your career planning toolbox.

As members of this organization, we have all made a commitment to support other women, and to work together to ensure that we have opportunities for networking, for professional development and growth.

The support of other women “who have been there” is one of the greatest benefits—and possibly one of the least tapped—areas of membership to WWPR. Our database, which is accessible to all members, is filled with profiles of women working in every kind of organization you can imagine. Our discussion boards allow members to pose questions about careers and seek opportunities to create dialogue with others who have hard experiences. Our events allow you to meet others working in fields that may interest you and may lead to you finding that perfect next job.

We invite you to explore our new website and look forward to seeing you at Woman of Year Wednesday, November 16, 2005 from 12-2:00 pm at the Mayflower Hotel.

~Karen Saverino Donnelly, WWPR Vice President


2005 FINALISTS Announced -- Washington PR Woman of the Year

The 2005 Washington PR Woman of the Year Finalists:

  • Vivian Kelly,
    President and Founder, Interprose Public
    Relations, Inc.
  • Carolyn Tieger,
    Partner and Director of Public Affairs Division,
    Porter Novelli
  • Maria Yannopolous,
    Adjunct Faculty, American University and President, MEY Communications, Inc.

The 16th Annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon is Wednesday, November 16th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The closest metro is Farragut North.

The cost will be $55 for members and $65 for non- members. If you decide to pay at the door, there will an additional $5 charge. We look forward to seeing you there!

WWPR Woman of the Year Sponsors

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Building the Brand for the Region's Business Community

WHEN: Wednesday, October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHAT: “Building the Brand for the Region's Business Community”

WHO: Marie L. Tibor, Vice President, Communications, Greater Washington Board of Trade

How has the Board of Trade – a local nonprofit that’s been around for more than 100 years – refreshed its brand and enhanced its visibility and effectiveness, in the Greater Washington business community?

Join us for an interactive conversation with Marie Tibor as she outlines the communications work that supports the region's leading network of business and nonprofit leaders. She will highlight the research and marketing efforts that help broaden the image of the region as a global business center and will share with us how her team has worked behind the scenes on a variety of tough local issues – from healthcare costs to traffic concerns, to bringing baseball back to the nation’s capitol.

With more than 25 years experience in communications and international marketing, Marie oversees all communications, PR and advertising for both the Board of Trade and its economic development affiliate, the Greater Washington Initiative. Previously, Marie spent 16 years promoting tourism to the region with the Washington DC Convention and Visitors Association (now WCTC).

WHERE: Greater Washington Board of Trade, located at 1725 I (Eye) Street, NW, Washington, DCp>

METRO: Farragut West or Farragut North

COST: FREE to members; $15 for non- members. (The Board of Trade will provide beverages; please bring your lunch.)

RSVP: Please RSVP to Jennifer Bolick by Tuesday, October 18 at Jennifer@RichfieldProductions.com.

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Professional Development Committee Re-cap

On Wednesday, September 28, the 2004 WWPR Woman of the Year Susan Hager of Hager Sharp, Inc. addressed members of the public relations community during the WWPR September brown bag lunch. Her talk, the second in the our Profiles in Leadership series, focused on the joys and tribulations of building a woman-owned PR firm, supporting her clients’ socially responsible programming and being a home grown Washington firm.

Susan recounted anecdotes from the early days of Hager Sharp – when she started the company in 1973 women could not obtain a business loan without bringing a husband or father to co-sign – and shared the secret of her success – choosing clients and employees that share her commitment to making a difference.

Susan admitted there is something of an old girl’s network in DC, and suggested the main difference between that group and the old boy’s network is that the women are more open to discussing their struggles, as well as their victories. Don’t be fooled, these women did not just sit around complain, they brought about real change in Washington.

Women starting businesses today can thank the “old girl’s network” for starting the first Women’s Bank in Washington and reshaping the public’s attitude so women who start re business today are no longer considered “strange” – to name just a few!

She spoke to the assembled PR pros about the business philosophies that have made Hager Sharp a success. Susan’s deep commitment to community service, both personally and professionally, permeate Hager Sharp’s corporate culture and make it a place people want to come to work.

Her business philosophy is to hire smart people, take on clients and causes you believe in and always make sure to keep a balance between your work life and your personal life. The assembled audience would be wise to heed Susan’s advice – Hager Sharp celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2003 and it’s still going strong under Susan’s capable leadership.

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Marketing/Communications Committee Update

As of today, there are 356 people that receive our monthly e-newsletter. And, this number continues to grow! If you know someone that IS signed-up to receive the e-newsletter but is not seeing it in their INBOX, or if you know someone that wants to sign-up for the e-newsletter, please have that person contact Stephanie Block at stephanieblock1@hotmail.com.

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Membership Committee Update

Membership is working on a packet for new members that will tell them how to acclimate quickly into WWPR. It will also contain information about our Board Members, how to contact them, committees to get involved in and highlight the benefits of our organization.

Membership is also working on developing a special WWPR membership certificate to honor each member.

Membership is looking for committee members to help with several other projects. Projects include: contacting new guests and telling them more about WWPR, calling new members a few months after they join to ask for suggestions and feedback, designing a new member orientation and developing a Fall membership drive/incentive program. For more information, please contact Melinda Sigal at 703-302-5980 or msigal@earthlink.net.

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Pro Bono Committee Update

WWPR's Pro-Bono Committee will be taking part in the Help the Homeless Walk on Saturday, November 19. If you are interested in participating on our team, please contact Lauren Lawson at 202-360- 2406 or at LawsonLaurenL@yahoo.com.

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Career Corner

PR Account Executive opportunity -

An up-and-coming tech PR agency based in New York, needs a mid-level account executive with technology industry experience for their new DC office (actual office location could be DC or Northern VA).

Are you a public relations account executive with at least two years tech PR experience and a real gift for media relations? Or, are you an experienced AC looking to move up? Experience in Web services, networking, storage, enterprise software, info security, gadgets, or mobile technologies required. If you've got it, we'd love to talk with you.

In this role, you will maintain relationships and favorable contacts with current and potential accounts in the high-tech sector. The ideal candidate has at least two years of PR agency experience, ideally with a tech PR firm. Any experience with public affairs and/or lobbying would be a bonus, but not a necessity. Competitive salary plus commission based on billings.

Interested individuals should email a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Marshall at Profiles for more information at jennifer@careerprofiles.com.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
:: stephanieblock1@hotmail
:: http://www.wwpr.org

 

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