Byword

IABC Tucson Chapter Newsletter, June 2008

In This Issue:

For previous issues of the Byword, visit our archives.

So much happening!
It’s hopping in Tucson in terms of communications events. Mark your calendars for what’s ahead in June:

  • June 5 – The 7th Annual Cactus Quill Awards reception is going to be a fabulous networking opportunity with many new communicators to meet and greet! Plan now to attend the Cactus Quill Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 5 from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the beautiful, historic Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theatre (upstairs). You’ll see award-winning projects and have a chance to talk with the communicators who created the media. If you haven’t made your reservation, why not go do it right now?
  • June 17 – 8th annual “Big C” Mixer – From 5 – 7pm at the Westin La Paloma local communications groups are collaborating for an after-hours event of fun and networking. IABC/Tucson as well as Ad2 Tucson, American Institute of Graphic Artists, American Marketing Association, Public Relations Society of America, Society for Technical Communication and the Tucson Advertising Federation are partnering in this event. Reserve your spot online and come on out for the Big C!

Speaking of Networking – Save these Dates

  • Networking Plus on August 7 – IABC/Tucson rolls out our 2008-2009 programming year on August 7 with a Networking happening. This meeting will include at least three stations for great brainstorming, all designed to rev those creative juices up for Fall. Topics, setup and location to be decided soon – watch details on our website but, for now, save the date!
  • The Pacific Plains Region is planning its first regional conference, titled “Exchange.” The conference will be held at the Seattle Waterfront Hotel (within walking distance of Pike’s Market, the Space Needle and other attractions).It will include an idea fair showcasing the winners of the region’s Silver Quill Awards program as well as great sessions including branding and PR measurement. Visit the Pacific Plains Regional Website for detials.

Social Networking Tips at Intuit-sponsored Webinar
The May 21 session held at Intuit was an interesting review of web communications strategies. Consultant James Lukaszewski, and GolinHarris Vice President of Interactive Media Idil Cakim, led the session and talked about how the Web allows us to provide 24/7 communications while best managing media coverage. Most interesting was Ms. Cakim’s comments on the authenticity of social media and the trust levels it evokes in many audiences. While some corporate communicators still associate social networks with liability, Cakim used several examples of corporate social media programs to build trust and help authenticity.

Roundup: Member News

  • Bylaws approved by membership! You can review our chapter bylaws online in the files section of our Yahoo! Group (see file: bylawsrevision.rtf). Thanks for voting!
  • For our 2008-2009 programming year, IABC/Tucson is planning a series of animated breakfast networking sessions when we can share successful solutions to your job challenges and professional career dilemmas. The calendar and topic outline for this new program will be announced at the August 7 Networking Plus meeting. Make sure you tap into the brain power of your fellow IABC/Tucson members! Do your part now by providing suggestions for topics. Send your ideas to Geneva Escobedo, gescobedo@pima.edu.
  • Anniversaries Elizabeth Howell – 23 years Marie Demarais – 2 years
  • New Member Meeting -- President Mimi Villafane welcomed Daphne Gilman, Bio5; Sally Sumner, Firehouse Productions; DJ Rodriguez, Intuit; and Karen Lutrick, Pima Community College at a Lunch With the President on May 20 at Zona 78. The regularly scheduled event allows new members to learn about IABC/Tucson and meet fellow communicators. Also attending were potential member Ginny Hill, writer, and Elena Acoba, acting membership director.
  • Xeriscaper Among Us – IABC/Tucson member Martha Retallick is an award winner – this time for her Xeriscape-friendly yard. The Arizona Department of Water Resources, in partnership with the Tucson Botanical Gardens, promoted the 8th Annual Xeriscape contest to recognize homeowner and professionally designed xeriscapes throughout metro Tucson. Retallick's yard earned a Judges Award for Best Water Harvesting and Use of Graywater.

News and Resources from IABC and Elsewhere

  • Have you read the May/June edition of Communications World? Lots of informative stories – from the secrets of top performing companies to how 3-D imaging is helping companies explain complex processes. Read it online.
  • The CW Bulletin also contains interesting briefs, from personal development for freelancers to business circles that are crafting collaboration rather than competition.
  • Social Media Releases – Even if you don’t produce them you probably want your news to rank high in Google searches. So there’s much online today about how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles supports business communications. SHIFT Communications, a PR agency out of MA, has produced this handy tip sheet on this important subject. The agency is allowing us to provide this PDF for your review and use.

Calendar Notes

  • June 5: “Cactus Quill Awards” 5:30–8:30 pm, Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theatre upstairs
  • July: no meeting
  • August 7: “Network Plus!” networking session, plus rollout of IABC’s new member benefit: topical networking in small groups
  • September 4: “New Standards & Public Expectations in Public Relations,“ Dave Irwin, Executive Director for Public Information, PCC
  • October 2: “Interactive Writing Workshop,” with poet and author Rita Magdaleno
  • November 6: “Corporate Branding and Image-Making,” Media Panel
  • December 16: Joint Holiday Event with PRSA at Arizona Inn

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