Byword

IABC Tucson Chapter Newsletter, December 2007

In This Issue:

For previous issues of the Byword, visit our archives.

Holiday Giving and Experience Corps
December 11’s jolly holiday gathering netted fun, food and networking—and it also celebrated volunteer service. In the spirit of the season we asked attendees to bring unwrapped school supplies, to be donated to the Tucson chapter of Experience Corps, a group of 50 seniors who volunteer, tutor literacy and provide mentoring in six high-need elementary schools.

These dedicated tutors do more than enrich the education of children having difficulty reading. They are mentors for the kids and their efforts demonstrate important results: 84% of teachers reported significant progress in student self confidence after working with an Experience Corps member.

There’s still time to provide much-needed school supplies. The most urgent need is for “white boards/with dry erase pens” which are given to tutors to use with their students. Other items always needed include markers, crayons, books for K-3 and colored paper. The volunteers themselves have asked for plastic utensils and cups. According to Experience Corps volunteer Frank Nibley, the tutors also would appreciate donations of fun learning games, like the Leap Frog cards, bingo and dominoes found at Toys R Us.

Tucson’s Experience Corps helps students develop the confidence and skills to succeed in school and in life. Thanks to all the volunteers, and to the IABC/PRSA supporters of this fantastic program. For additional information see: http://www.experiencecorps.org/tucson.cfm.

Enter to Win Cactus Quills in 2008
You can distinguish yourself and the work of your communications team by entering to win the 7th annual Cactus Quill Awards program. Cactus Quill Awards are open to anyone involved in business communications in Arizona. Important dates:

  • Early bird deadline: March 21, 2008
  • Absolute deadline: March 28, 2008
  • Awards ceremony: June 5, 2008

Ready to enter? Download your application right now on our website! Enter to win and good luck!

Update: Tucson Chapter Will Host Regional Leader Development Meeting in 2008
Our chapter successfully bid to have the Pacific Plains Region of IABC hold its Chapter/Leader Development Meeting in Tucson April 4-5, 2008! The meeting will be held at the Hotel Arizona downtown and will draw about 35 regional and chapter board members from the Midwest, the Plains and Four Corners regions, the West Coast and Hawaii to conduct region business and train leaders in running their chapters.

If you want to help plan such activities as a dine-around, welcome reception and logistics, contact Elena Acoba, 742-1979 or acoba@dakotacom.net.

Around the Chapter
Welcome to our new member: Daphne Gilman, Events Coordinator, Senior, BIO5 Marketing & Communications!

Happy Anniversary with IABC:

  • 20 years, Nancy McCluskey-Moore
  • 29 years, J Kimball Hansen
  • 10 years, Robert Berry
  • 12 years, Judith Nagle

If you’ve ever walked or cycled on a desert trail, you may have wondered how the trail was designed. Member Mark Flint has worked to protect the features of many trails including the Arizona Trail, and he just published a wonderful booklet on trail construction. To download the booklet and learn insights on the art and science of trail design, see: http://www.aztrail-build.org/Desert%20Design%20Manual%20-%20Sm.pdf

Member Karen Dahood received a MarCom Gold Award in the Writing/Newsletter category for Dakota Report (2007), published by Dakota Builders, Inc., a professional remodeling firm. Out of 5,000 entries worldwide, only 18% merited gold this year. The competition is administered through the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals; entrants include media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies as well as independent communicators.

In November Elena Acoba celebrated 10 years as a freelance writer and editor. She says IABC plays a big part in her success by allowing her to meet potential clients and gain referrals from members. "Many fellow IABCers saved me from having to work a less-flexible, onsite job while I raise a child," she says. "I thank all of you for that."

New From Headquarters

  • Could technology diminish communications rather than facilitate it? If this is a provocative question to you, then tune in to the latest edition of IABC’s Cafe2Go podcast. It features IABC Chair Todd Hattori, ABC, President Julie Freeman, ABC, APR, and their guests who discuss our association and, among other things, the impact of technology on listening skills. Check it all out at http://blogs.iabc.com/cafe2go/
  • Reminder: IABC international dues will increase $6 for 2008, bringing the total for IABC/Tucson to $261. Students and retired members will pay $44 next year, a $1 increase. You can lock in this year's dues of $255 for another year by renewing before December 31, 2007, at www.iabc.com.
  • COMMUNICATION WORLD goes green: The November-December issue of Communication World looks at the relationship between communication and the environment. Articles discuss how to engage employees in environmentally sustainable practices, what public awareness of climate change means for PR efforts, and how to create a sustainability report that advances your brand and impresses stakeholders. Members can check it out: http://www.iabc.com/cw/

Hughes Credit Union
As a member of IABC, you're eligible to join Hughes Federal Credit Union and save money on many financial products and services. According to the Consumer Federation of America, credit union members can save between $250 and $500 a year in financial fees. Through the end of the year, if you as an IABC Tucson member join Hughes Federal Credit Union, you'll receive $25, or refer a new member and receive $25. Check out the details at http://www.hughesfcu.org/asp/whatsnew.asp

"I've become a big believer of credit unions ever since I starting working here," said Kathy Hippensteel, Marketing Manager and IABC Member. "Hughes Federal Credit Union is strong and stable, and really cares to provide great service and make a positive difference in members' financial lives. We now have Shared Branching making it even more convenient to have us as your Credit Union." Call 794-JOIN or visit online.

IABC Resources: Insights on CSR Reporting
The IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication is a best-selling IABC publication offering practical knowledge and insights about effective corporate communication and its effect on organizational success. One of the chapters in this handbook, Corporate Social Responsibility, was written by Adine Mees, who provides this summary checklist of effective CSR reporting:

  • Be genuine in your efforts and your language. Many reports are filled with platitudes and vague language, neither of which build up your “trust” account with stakeholders.
  • Use simple, clear and specific language in your report. Make it believable and easy to understand.
  • Focus on impacts (what happened as a result of the company’s effort) over outputs (how much money we donated).
  • Shift away from using only lagging performance indicators (what we did) to adding some leading performance indicators (what we can do to improve on our business impacts).
  • Start using an internationally recognized reporting standard like the Global Reporting Initiative.

The Handbook of Organizational Communication, now available for purchase. IABC Member price: US$80, non-member price: US$85.

About Byword
Byword is emailed monthly by the Tucson Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators to its membership. For questions or ideas regarding Byword content, please contact Monica Surfaro Spigelman at msurfarospigelman@gmail.com

IABC Tucson
Post Office Box 43262
Tucson, Arizona 85733-3262