Byword
IABC/Tucson Chapter Newsletter – October 2006
In This Issue:
- November Meeting: Government and Non-Profit Communications On a Shoestring
- Gear Up for the Cactus Quill Awards
- Chapter Birthday Party Takes Look at Technology
- Holiday Mixer Charity to Help Local Kids
- Sponsor Opportunities
1. November 2 Chapter Meeting: Government and Non-Profit Communications On a Shoestring
Positive news coverage can be many times more effective than any costly advertising campaign. Conversely, negative coverage can be devastating to your organization’s mission and its ability to serve your clients. The challenge for governmental agencies and non-profit organizations is how to work proactively with the media when you do not have substantial human or financial resources. Join us on Thursday, November 2 when Dan Benavidez, Director of Media Relations for Ridgewood & Associates, offers techniques that agencies can use to prepare and respond to any pending crisis. In addition, he will identify opportunities where agencies can partner with the media to advance their mission.
Daniel Benavidez brings more than 13 years of professional media relations experience to Ridgewood Associates. He has been a consultant or campaign manager for candidates running for the Tucson City Council, Governor, the U.S. Senate and other prominent political seats. He has taught media relations to numerous organizations and public officials on the national and local level. Before joining Ridgewood Associates, Dan served for seven years as the Communications Director for the Pima County Attorney’s Office where he was instrumental in creating the Safebaby Program and the Missing Child Alert. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in History and Political Science.
Ridgewood & Associates’ clients include the Vail School District, National Child Welfare Resource Center, YWCA of Tucson, Catalina Foothills School District, Arizona Department of Commerce, US Department of Health and Human Services, Yuma School District and Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona.
- The meeting will be held from 11:30 am to 1:15 pm at McMahon's Steak House, 2959 N. Swan Road (SW corner with Ft. Lowell).
- The cost is $18 for members, $25 for guests and members without reservations, and $14 for student members. No-shows will be billed.
- Please RSVP to Mimi Villifane at mimivgib@yahoo.com, or call 744-2944, ext. 1363 by Tuesday, October 31.
2. Gear Up for the Cactus Quill Awards
Show off your talent and best practices at the Sixth Annual Cactus Quill Awards! Watch for the call for entries in December. Our March meeting will be devoted to learning how to put together the work plan–a valuable exercise for any project, even if you don't plan to enter the competition. Martha Retallick and Juleen Eichinger are spearheading the program with help from members Linda Kern and Geneva Escobedo and trial member Julie Glaser.
Want to pitch in? Contact Martha at www.westernskycommunications.com. Your help would be most welcome.
3. Chapter Birthday Party Takes Look at Technology
In February 2007, Todd Hattori, IABC's incoming chairman, will take our chapter into the future with a talk on how current technology is changing the business communications profession. He'll help launch our year-long celebration of 25 years of service to the profession. Watch for details!
4. Holiday Mixer Charity to Help Local Kids
As part of our annual event with PRSA on December 6, we'll collect school supplies for Experience Corps, a group of retirees who volunteer to tutor students who need help in reading and literacy. Watch for the list of needs that will come with the invitation to this evening gathering at the Historic Tucson Fox Theatre.
Join in the fun as Arizona Daily Star cartoonist David Fitzsimmons takes a look at the business communications and public relations faux pas and follies of 2006!
We are looking for companies and individuals to support the Cactus Quill Awards and the chapter’s 25th anniversary celebration through sponsorships and in-kind services. These are great opportunities to get your name in front of the business community with two events that reach beyond IABC/Tucson members. If you're interested in learning about how you can become a sponsor, contact Elena Acoba, acoba@dakotacom.net.
IABC Tucson
Post Office Box 43262
Tucson, Arizona 85733-3262