NEWSLETTER: August 2012

In this issue: PR Woman of the Year Emerging Leaders Awards Recap Engaging Industry Speed Networking Member Spotlight Articles of Interest Upcoming Events Jobs Membership News Sponsor Spotlight PR Woman of the Year: Nominations Deadline is September 7 With its 23rd annual Washington PR Woman of the Year luncheon approaching quickly, WWPR is seeking nominations of women who have impacted the profession through their leadership abilities, integrity, and creativity. This is your chance to honor a mentor, colleague or boss by nominating her for Washington PR Woman of the Year, WWPR's prestigious annual award that recognizes and promotes leading women in public relations. The deadline for nominations is midnight (EDT) on Friday, August 31. Complete a nomination packet and submit it to woy@wwpr.org. Eligibility requirements are:

• Nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the public relations field, at least three of which have been in the DC metro area;
• Nominee must currently live in the DC metro area; and
• Nominee must demonstrate characteristics of a leader in the public relations field as a standout representative of a company or organization who strategically links programs and/or campaigns to meaningful results

The 23rd Woman of the Year Luncheon will be held November 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW, Washington, DC. The awards ceremony recognizes three finalists and selects one to become PR Woman of the Year. To nominate a candidate for Woman of the Year, complete the nomination form and email it, along with any questions you may have, to Susie Tappouni or Amy Malerba Hemingway, WWPR's PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs, at woy@wwpr.org.

Save the Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grand Hyatt Washington

Emerging Leaders Awards Event Recap The 2012 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) awardees were announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 17 at the National Press Club. WWPR named Olivia Doherty, Laura Hornbuckle and Jennifer Myers winners of the 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards.  NBC 4's anchor Angie Goff was the keynote speaker.  For photos of the event, visit WWPR's Flickr page. The third annual ELA honors rising stars, ages 23-30, in the public relations and communications field for their professional accomplishments. 2012 WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Winners: Olivia Doherty, The Hatcher Group, Director of Communications Doherty provides comprehensive strategic communications expertise to nonprofit clients working to advance social change. She previously worked with the Pew Center on the States, where she oversaw the planning and execution of major report releases that earned media coverage in hundreds of media outlets, including top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Reuters and The Associated Press. Doherty also serves as an executive board member of FAIR Girls, providing strategic communications guidance for the international nonprofit that helps girls avoid and escape trafficking. Laura Hornbuckle, Edelman Public Relations, Account Supervisor Hornbuckle manages influencer and industry outreach efforts, executes speaking engagements and implements media outreach plans in key markets for clients such as American Petroleum Institute (API), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Royal Dutch Shell. In addition to her client work, she serves on the Washington office's Editorial Services Team and is the philanthropy chair of the Living in Color initiative, organizing the office's community outreach activities. In June 2012, Hornbuckle was honored with the Chairman's Quality Award for an Initiative by Edelman Public Relations. Jennifer Myers, StrategyOne , Research Director Myers provides strategic analysis and communications guidance and manages the firm's overall research design and execution of primary research programs. She manages both quantitative and qualitative research programs for clients such as Walmart, Boeing, GE, Anheuser-Busch, Shell and Chase. She is also recognized as an agency expert in public affairs, messaging and crisis management. READ MORE Engaging Industry By Karin Bloomquist Engaging Industry is a monthly column written by Karin Bloomquist covering the impact of public relations in the corporate, education, government and non-profit sectors, industry trends and issues related to the development of public relations professionals One of the most important aspects of public relations is to address the needs of clients and raise public awareness of the issue at hand, which is exactly what was exhibited ten years ago by Korey, Kay, and Partners, a New York based advertising agency. They addressed a need so great that it remains a topic of interest to public perception debates and a relevant aspect for security measures implemented by our government today. Shortly after the events of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security launched a national public awareness campaign entitled "If You See Something, Say Something" to raise awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and the reporting of suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Korey, Kay, and Partners pitched the idea to the Department of State, Department of Justice, and then the newly created Department of Homeland Security as a way to restore a sense of security. Initially, the government agencies expressed very little interest in using the idea. After contemplating the idea of mixing communication with public policy efforts, the Department of Homeland Security eventually changed their minds. The campaign was issued in conjunction with the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, which both emphasized that homeland security began with hometown security making sure the public stays alert to their immediate and extended surroundings. READ MORE

WWPR Speed Networking Event Back by popular demand. This is speed-dating for professionals! Come prepared with lots of business cards as you will get a chance meet each person in the room. Plenty of time for open mingling, too.  This event is a unique way to meet folks across the industry. Join us on Tuesday, August 21 for networking, light appetizers, and a complimentary drink. Details below: WHERE: Bar Louie 701 7th St NW WHEN: Tuesday, August 21 6:30 PM -8:30 PM EST PRICE: Pre-Registration WWPR and PRSA Members: $10 Non-members: $20 At the door registration: $25 The contacts you will meet at the event: Priceless Member Spotlight By Beth Stewart As you know WWPR held its 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards recently so this month's Member Spotlight features three of the six finalists: Samantha Reho, Jessica Stone and Liz Bryan. Samantha Reho Reho now serves as the Public Affairs Strategist for the US Army. It is her responsibility to ensure a unified message across all facets of the US Army. Working closely with the military is not just Reho's day job. She also volunteers for TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, an organization dedicated to providing aid to those individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the military. Jessica Stone As the Digital Media Specialist for Gibraltar Associates, Jessica Stone has built a solid career in digital communications but did not always know this would be her path. Through several communication courses at American University, Stone developed a liking for the field and graduated with a bachelor's in public communication. Stone did not stop her education there and honed her skills at The Johns Hopkins University graduating with master's in communications. When Stone is not managing numerous online campaigns or completing digital research, she volunteers for Yachad United, an organization dedicated to young professionals networking through hands-on community work. Her advice for communications professionals is to mentor and to be mentored. Stone finds it imperative to seek as much information as possible from those mentors in your field in order to grow professionally. Liz Bryan As account director for Spectrum, Liz Bryan plays a key role in spearheading the communications efforts of various healthcare entities. Bryan has made her mark in shaping the message of each account including managing advocacy relations for the lupus community and promoting clinical trial results. In addition to her work at Spectrum, Bryan volunteers for the Chron's and Colitis Foundation of America. Her latest efforts included running Virginia Wine Country's half marathon to raise funds for Chron's and Colitis research. Her advice for those eager to break into communications, is to be willing to work hard and play close attention to detail. Top Articles of Interest

• 3 Tips to Build your Personal Brand on Twitter (PRNews)
• The art of the email introduction: 7 guidelines (Ragan's PR Daily)
• 12 must-follow Twitter hashtags for content junkies (Ragan's PR Daily)

Top   Upcoming Events For the latest information about our exciting events and programs, please visit our Events page. WWPR members receive member rates for PRSA-NCC and AWC events.

• 8/15/2012:  5:30-8:00 p.m. -- PRSA Trivia Night
• 8/21/2012:  6:30-8:30 p.m. -- WWPR Speed Networking Event
• 8/24/2012:  7:45-10:00 a.m. -- SECAF Educational Forum: How to Leverage Your Social Networks within the Government Contracting Community
• 8/29/2012:  2:00 p.m. -- Webinar: Inbounding Marketing: Getting Found with Content

Top WWPR Job Board In the market for a new job? Visit the WWPR job board to help you find your dream position!

• Public Relations Intern, GuideStar
• PR Manager for Commercial Real Estate, Flexforce Professionals, LLC
• Director of Client Services, Flexforce Professionals, LLC
• Marketing Coordinator, KCCT Architects
• Senior Director - Communications US, Capital One
• Manager of Creative Services, The National Education Association (NEA)
• Associate Director of Communications for Media Strategy, The National Education Association (NEA)
• Associate Director of Communications for Digital Engagement, The National Education Association (NEA)
• Account Coordinator, Z Communication
• Communications Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
• Director, Digital Integration and Design, National Cable and Telecommunications Association
• Director, Public Affairs, National Cable and Telecommunications Association
• Director, Digital Engagement, National Cable and Telecommunications Association
• Sustainability Media Relations Senior Manager, Walmart
• Marketing Specialist, Gensler
• Manager, Communications (Elections Initiatives) Pew Center on the States, The Pew Charitable Trusts

View More Positions To post an open position for free visit wwpr.org/jobs. Contact web@wwpr.org with questions. Top

Membership News July New Members:

Laura Frederick- Business Wire Diana Barris- New Enterprise Associates Anastasia Dellaccio- UN Foundation/Dolci Gelati Alicia Sellitti- iostudio Penny Lee- Venn Strategies Erin Smith- Adfero Group Tangela Richardson- Social Security Administration Issara Pimpawathin- Steptoe & Johnson LLP Jenna Alsayegh- Dewey Square Group Jonathan Halpin- KCCT Architects Lillian Cruz- U.S. House of Representatives

July Member Renewals:

Mary Fletcher Jones- Fletcher Prince Joan Coyle- American Chemical Society Kari Hudnell- Gibraltar Associates Amber Sheridan- Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Erica Hiar- Environics Communications Kharma Finley-Wallace- AAA Mid-Atlantic Melinda Semandeni- ASPPA Arlene Corbin Lewis- Habitat for Humanity International

Interested in joining or renewed your membership? Simply complete the online membership form. To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org. Top Sponsor Spotlight Celebrating 17 years of excellence in 2012 and 137 years of cumulative staff experience, Strauss Radio Strategies, Inc. is the nation's leading communications, public relations, consulting and strategy firm specializing in radio and television broadcast media relations services. These services include radio media tours, television satellite media tours, audio news releases, public service announcements, radio actuality distribution, live remote broadcast support and on-site event booking support. A proud and active sponsor of WWPR, Strauss Radio Strategies prides itself in creating and implementing radio and television outreach programs and services that conform to the specific needs of their clients. They have worked closely with radio and television outlets at all levels, from national networks and top-rated major market stations, to targeted stations in small towns and rural areas across the country. Contact Richard Strauss at rstrauss@straussradio.com or Caroline Rana at crana@straussradio.com on how to use the power of radio and television to help with your client or brand.