East Meets West: Detroit Media Roundtable

A strong media relations program is as much about having trusted relationships with reporters as it is about having a good news story. What if your story has significance beyond West Michigan – and you don’t know the reporters on your list? Now is your chance to expand your media network at WMPRSA’s first southeast Michigan media round table, featuring editors and reporters from prominent print and broadcast media outlets in metro Detroit.

Join us to learn more about these reporters, their outlets and how best to pitch them.  As a member bonus, PRSA members can sign up when they RSVP for a few one-on-one slots with our guest journalists on a first-come, first-served basis. (Future members can still join PRSA to take advantage of this opportunity!)

MEDIA OUTLETS/PANELISTS:

• Bridge Magazine – Ted Roelofs, Reporter
• Crain’s Detroit Business – Jennette Smith, Editor
• DBusiness Magazine – R.J. King, Editor (also represents HOUR Media/HOUR Detroit)
• Detroit Free Press/CBS Detroit – Carol Cain, Columnist; Host of “Michigan Matters
• The Detroit News – Kelley Root, Assistant Managing Editor
• Michigan News Network/WWJ Newsradio 950 – Beth Fisher, Anchor-Reporter

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unique nature of this program, we will start earlier and end later than usual. Buffet lunch will be served when doors open at 11:30 a.m. The program will begin at 11:50 a.m. and will close with a brief networking period with the media from 1-1:15 p.m. Media one-on-ones (members only) will begin at 1:15 p.m.

PRIVATE MEDIA APPOINTMENTS (MEMBERS ONLY)
We’re offering limited, members-only, five-minute media appointments after the program from 1:15-2 p.m. Please indicate your interest when you RSVP with your choices of the two journalists you’d like to meet. These limited opportunities are first-come, first-served and will fill up fast, so don’t delay in registering. 

NEW THIS YEAR!
WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan are extending a special reciprocal rate on luncheons for members this 2016 season!  If you are an active WMPRSA or AMA West Michigan member, you will receive the member rate for both WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan luncheons moving forward.  It’s a win, win!

When:

Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from
11:30 am to 2 pm EST
Lunch/registration: 11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
Program: 11:50 a.m. – 1 pm
Media networking: 1 – 1:15 pm
Private Media Appts. (Members Only): 1:15 – 2 pm 

Add to Calendar

Where:

Eve at The BOB
20 Monroe NW, 4th Floor
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

FEES:
Chapter Members/AMA Members $25
Future Members $40
Students $20

Please RSVP by April 18.

WMPRSA Event: Agency Partnerships

Panel Discussion: Agency Partnerships

Get the most from your PR agency partnership. Whether you’re on the client or agency side – with a large organization or small – it’s critical to start with a clear understanding of objectives, expectations, capabilities, budget and scope. And like any relationship, the chemistry should be right. Hear perspectives from a solo practitioner, large agency, nonprofit and corporation on how to avoid the pitfalls and take the right steps from the start to ensure a successful client-agency partnership.

NEW THIS YEAR!
WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan are extending a special reciprocal rate on luncheons for members this 2016 season!  If you are an active WMPRSA or AMA West Michigan member, you will receive the member rate for both WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan luncheons moving forward.  It’s a win, win! Use PROMO CODE: WMPRSA when registering for either a WMPRSA or AMA West Michigan event to take advantage of this members-only benefit!  

When

Thursday, March 17, 2016 from
11:30 am to 1:00 pm EST
Lunch/registration: 11:30 am – noon
Program: Noon – 1 pm 

Add to Calendar

Where (Note the Location Change)

BOB’s Brewery
20 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

FEES:
Chapter Members $25
Nonmembers $40
Students $20

Register Here!

Please RSVP by March 11.

Contact

Jen Gilman
WMPRSA
616-821-8238
wmprsa@gmail.com

2016 Superior Awards April 13

Save the Date!

The GVSU Advertising and Public Relations Program is pleased to announce the 2016 Superior Awards on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 pm. Improving on last year’s format, the event will take place downtown at the Eberhard Center. This is all in an effort to combine a unique networking opportunity with Grand Rapids Advertising and PR pros, APR faculty and the GVSU students who participate in the awards event.

Your support of up-and-coming APR pros is invaluable. The APR program at GVSU aims to prepare students to be successful as advertising and public relations practitioners.

How can you help?

• Be a judge for Superior Awards and overview the students submitted work (this is done 100% online before the awards)
• Network with fellow APR pros and budding young APR pros
• Be the mentor you had or always wanted to have

If you are interested in this opportunity as either a judge or by simply attending the awards, please contact:

Rachel Beatty- beattyr@mail.gvsu.edu

Adrienne Wallace- wallacad@gvsu.edu

Panel Discussion: Ethics in PR

Ethics in PR: From Academics to Action

Join us as area PR experts discuss how to move the PR Code of Ethics from ideals to actions. You’ll hear from experts in the foundations of PR ethics – and what makes the practice of PR inherently ethical. Speakers will raise the question: can or should PR pros act as the ethical conscience of the organizations they serve. We’ll have an opportunity to brush up on timeless topics like disclosure, conflict of interest, accountability and other traditional ethical issues, as well as newer challenges the profession faces in today’s digital age. Register now for this important discussion.

NEW THIS YEAR!

WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan are extending a special reciprocal rate on luncheons for members this 2016 season!  If you are an active WMPRSA or AMA West Michigan member, you will receive the member rate for both WMPRSA and AMA West Michigan luncheons moving forward.  It’s a win, win! Use PROMO CODE: WMPRSA when registering for either a WMPRSA or AMA West Michigan event to take advantage of this members-only benefit!

When

Thursday, February 18, 2016 from
11:30 am to 1:00 pm EST
Lunch/registration: 11:30 am – noon
Program: Noon – 1 pm 

FEES:
Chapter Members $25
Nonmembers $40
Students $20

Click here to register

Members are also eligible for our special subscription rate! Save $75 dollars off the series – the cost of three luncheons! Click HERE for more information and to subscribe. If you’ve already paid for January,contact us for an adjusted invoice.

Please RSVP by February 12.

Detroit Metro Times Analysis of Flint Aid Photo

Gov. Snyder’s Flint aid bill signing a PR disaster

Posted By Michael Jackman on Mon, Feb 1, 2016 at 11:08 am

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words.

And if you’re the embattled governor with more than 500,000 people demanding your arrest, you’d probably think long and hard about what any picture of you expresses.

Well, that’s what you’d think, anyway.

After all, take a look at the latest photo opportunity from the Snyder administration. It was the signing of a bill appropriating $28 million in short-term aid for the people of Flint.

Read more on the Detroit Metro Times website

Chapter Fees Waived for New Members in February

While we can’t imagine why you are not already a WMPRSA member, PRSA is running a promotion during the month of February that includes FREE chapter fees, Feb. 1–29. During this promotion, when you join PRSA (national) with code FEB16, you will also receive Chapter membership (up to $100).

If you want to talk to someone about membership, feel free to contact Carl Apple, chair of the membership committee for the WMPRSA board at carl.apple@aquinas.edu.

To register, visit the PRSA site here.

2016 PRoof Awards Call for Entries

The West Michigan Public Relations Society of America
invites you to submit entries for the:

31st Annual West Michigan PRoof Awards
A program of the Public Relations Society of America, West Michigan Chapter

West Michigan public relations professionals, agencies and corporate communications teams come together every year to enter their best work and honor accomplishments. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the West Michigan PRoof Awards, and we hope you’ll join us!

Thursday, May 5, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Save the date!
Entry Deadlines 
Early Deadline: Entries submitted before midnight on Friday, March 4, 2016
Late Deadline: Entries submitted before midnight on Friday, March 11, 2016

2016 PRoof Entry Guidelines
(includes links to upload entries and pay online)

CAMPAIGNS
Per-Entry Fee by midnight March 4, 2016: $50 Chapter Member / $75 Nonmember
Per-Entry Fee by midnight on March 11, 2016: $75 Chapter Member / $100 Nonmember

TACTICS
Per-Entry Fee by midnight on March 4, 2016: $50 Chapter Member / $75 Nonmember
Per-Entry Fee by midnight on March 11, 2016: $75 Chapter Member / $100 Nonmember

If you have questions about the entry process, email wmprsa@gmail.com, and we will be sure to help you out along the way. And don’t miss our free workshop, where you can learn to create a winning entry.

REGISTER YOUR ENTRY

 

FREE AWARD ENTRY WORKSHOP!

 Never entered the PRoof Awards before? Feeling confused about the process? Let us help! A free entry workshop will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus, DeVos Center Building C, University Club room. Lunch will be provided. See event page for map and parking instructions.

RSVP is preferred but not required.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP

Job Posting: Spectrum Health Communications

Communications manager at Gerber Memorial Community Hospital in Freemont, MI

In collaboration with the President, senior leadership team and System partners, develops strategies for effective marketing, public relations, and communication plans that build strong relationships with key stakeholders as well as building organizational awareness, image, and reputation.  Responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing and directing assigned key operational strategies, ensuring consistency and synergy in operational processes and systems.  Networks with internal and external partners displaying effective analytical, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Basic Qualifications:
Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience – 5 years of experience in Related experience in a work environment with transferable skills involving marketing or communications

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience – 5 years of experience in Background in health care communications

For more information and to apply, click here.

Job Posting: Media Relations at Spectrum Health

Position Summary

Works with the news media on behalf of the Spectrum Health system. Uses a variety of mediums to communicate news and information including news releases, pitches, video and audio as well as social media. Coordinates highly collaborative team projects, media events and digital communications. Proactively works with internal clients and internal team to coordinate projects and identify potential stories to present to the media. Responds to reporter inquiries and requests.

Basic Qualifications:
Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing or Public Relations or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience – 3 years of experience in experience in a work environment with transferrable skills

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience – experience in health care communications

Click here for more information and to apply

AAF West MI Event for WMPRSA Members

 An American Advertising Federation of West Michigan event:

Jason Sperling is Executive Creative Director at RPA. He led Honda’s Cannes-winning “Project Drive-In”, an effort to save the American drive-in and the “Matthew’s Day Off” 2012 Super Bowl spot, called one of the all-time best Super Bowl spots by the NY Post and Entertainment Weekly.

Before joining RPA, Jason was Creative Director at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, where he helped create Apple’s iconic “Mac vs. PC” campaign, declared “Campaign of the Decade” byAdweek.

In January, Jason will be speaking to the club about his new book exclusively on Instagram, “Look at Me When I’m Talking to You.” When the new consumer is cynical, apathetic, elusive and over-stimulated, you have to risk everything to break through and come up with new rules for attracting them back to brands. #lookatmebook

TIME:

5:30pm Arrival

6:00pm Presentation

WHEN

Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)

WHERE

City Flats Hotel – 83 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 

Click here for more information and to register

Enter Code: PRSAJASON for $10 off the non-member ticket price.