Byword

IABC Tucson Chapter Newsletter, July 2008

In This Issue:

For previous issues of the Byword, visit our archives.

Message from the President-
This Year, Make a Commitment to Be Heard at IABC Tucson
What do you want to accomplish this year? In your professional life? In your personal life? As a volunteer?

Having been a member of IABC now for three years, I've learned that this organization is an incredible group of people. I've also been reminded that--like most things in life--you only get out of it what you put in. So, teaming with my co-president, Elena Acoba, and an amazing board team, we're starting out by changing things up and setting some exciting goals for the coming year. And who is that team?

2008-2009 IABC/Tucson Board
Secretary: Lisa Reed
Finance: Michelle Rau
Past President: Mimi Villafane
Membership: Julie Ray
Professional Development: Geneva Escobedo
Communications Director and Technology: Monica Surfaro-Spigelman

Amongst other goals, our team's targets this year include making IABC more relevant to YOUR goals, and increasing membership and volunteerism. To those ends, if you EVER have any suggestions or questions about how you can contribute to a better IABC Tucson chapter, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at pkt@barkingshelby.com or 520.777.7798. I'd love to talk with you. Here's to an amazing year. Elena and I look forward to working with all of you,

*Paul K. Tumarkin Co-President, IABC Tucson

OK, If You’re Ready to Be Heard, How About This?

How about entering the chapter conversation by volunteering on a few fun assignments? There are still some important leadership positions that await volunteers. Some ideas:

1         Help plan the Cactus Quill Awards program. You’ll help us conduct this successful program that recognizes best communications skills and talents throughout Arizona.

2         Coordinate Judging. The coordinator works with the Cactus Quill Awards chair to find judges for other chapters' awards programs and to send Cactus Quill entries out for judging.

3         Champion Our Brand. The Chapter’s Branding Champion helps our chapter's marketing, publicity and other efforts adhere to the IABC international brand.

4         Facilitate networking. Facilitators of network breakfasts do a little research on an upcoming topic and keep the conversation going at the meeting.

The chapter also could benefit from volunteers who wish to share their expertise and knowledge at a spotlight or workshop event; who can donate time and facilities for activities and who want to support the chapter through sponsorships. If you want to help, please contact Paul Tumarkin or Elena Acoba .

Save the Date: August 7, 2008 for Summer Networking

As we know, networking doesn’t take a summer vacation. Rev up your networking engine for the months ahead by attending our August 7 luncheon meeting on Networking Plus:

Do you want to be heard? Networking is the most powerful way to build professional relationships, actively foster contacts and disseminate information about yourself.

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008

Time: Lunch: 11:45am –12:30pm, Networking Plus: 12:30—1:30pm

Program: IABC Board members will facilitate a series of three
informal chat sessions covering these topics:

  1. What are the best roles in communications for the future?
  2. What are the opportunities, concerns and challenges of social networking?
  3. What is the role of marketing and public relations in addressing our current economic environment?

Location: Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., east of Swan
RSVP: Online at or by sending an email to events@iabctucson.com  Reserve by Monday, August 4. Please indicate your preference for regular or vegan menu. Costs are $19 for members with reservations, $26 for guests and at the door.  Whether you want a serious discussion about strategies during the economic downturn or are looking to get your sea legs regarding social networking – this session will have something for you!

Introducing Be Heard Networking: Morning Talk

A new networking benefit will be introduced at the August meeting and rolled out during the 2008-2009 chapter year. Be Heard Networking: Morning Talk will be quarterly informal gatherings to bring up topics important to you. The morning informal gatherings will be a way to share ideas, get advice and contact fellow IABCers who might have solutions.

The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7:45am., at Beyond Bread, 3026 N. Campbell Ave. Drop in, pay for your own breakfast, and talk about how to regroup in the face of staff reductions and budget cut-backs. RSVP to events@iabctucson.com or call Elena at 742-1979, if you know you'll come, but you can stop by if the spirit moves you. (See Calendar for list of additional Morning Talk networking sessions.)

New Reciprocal Agreement with Big C Groups

IABC Tucson has joined in a reciprocal relationship with' several Big C participating organizations. We're happy to report that IABC members can now attend meetings of Ad Federation, TAMA and PRSA at the corresponding association member rate! More on this reciprocal agreement and benefits to IABC Tucson are coming – For now we wanted to give you the heads up on this agreement and to thank our partners in Tucson communications for participating in this agreement!

Pacific Plains Region Conference in Seattle

The Pacific Plains Region Exchange conference Sept. 21-23 will feature speakers from Starbucks, eBay, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide’s Microsoft team, Cisco as well as IABC leadership from Headquarters.  The conference takes place in downtown Seattle at the beautiful Marriott Seattle Waterfront. It’s time to make your reservations for this exciting conference, filled with practical and visionary communications sessions: http://pacificplains.iabc.com/communicators-events/regional_conference.html

Roundup: Member News

  • Anniversaries
    2 years, Cynthia Devin
    15 years, Susan Guerrero
  • He’s Solid Gold, Not Just a Top 40 – You may not know that our own IABC/Tucson co-president Paul Tumarkin was nominated for the annual Tucson Business Edge’s “40 Under 40” Awards program. Beyond his IABC leadership, Paul has made extraordinary contributions through his Barking Shelby business, and through his involvement in Aikido of Tucson, as well as in the Civano and the Congregation Chaverim communities. The nomination did not come undeserved. We are proud that Paul made the cut to the Top 60 finalists in the 40 Under 40 awards! Although Paul didn’t get a Top 40 spot, he’s a winner no matter how you cut it. Congrats to our prez! You can see the 60 finalists at: http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/tbe/40under40/

News and Resources from IABC and Elsewhere

Calendar Notes

    2008-2009 Calendar Notes (to be updated at August 2008 meeting. Please note that items are targeted as informational spotlight sessions, networking sessions or practical learning workshops.)

  • August 7: Spotlight: Networking Plus
  • September 4: Spotlight: “New Standards & Public Expectations in Public Relations,“ Dave Irwin, Executive Director for Public Information, PCC
  • September 16: Networking: Inauguration of Be Heard Networking- Morning Talk, beginning 7:45am at Beyond Bread (3026 N. Campbell location), topic: Surviving tough times: how to regroup in the face of staff reductions and budget cut-backs.
  • October 2: Workshop:“Interactive Writing Workshop,” with poet and author Rita Magdaleno
  • November 6: Spotlight: “Corporate Branding and Image-Making,” Media Panel
  • December 16: Networking: Joint Holiday Event with PRSA at Arizona Inn
  • January 14, 2009: Networking: 7:45am Morning Talk at Beyond Bread (6260 E. Speedway Blvd location) topic TBA
  • February 7: Spotlight: Topic TBA
  • March 6: Spotlight: Social Media
  • April 17: Networking: 7:45am Morning Talk at Beyond Bread (3026 N. Campbell location) topic TBA
  • May: Workshop: IABC webseminar, Meeting topic, place and date TBA
  • June: Networking: Cactus Quills. Date and Place TBA
  • July 9: Networking: 7:45am Morning Talk at Beyond Bread (6260 E. Speedway Blvd location) topic TBA

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

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