January 2016                       Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube View our photos on flickr
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New Year, New Rules? 
How to manage media relations 
in a digital world in 2016

By Jo Ann Johnston

Welcome to 2016. Here are five things to consider when managing your media relations programs this year.

The press release is dead. Or is it?

Before we put the press release to pasture, let's revisit the undeniable virtues of the staple in the public relations tool box:
  • It's legit. A news release legitimizes the source on company letterhead, with contact information leading straight to the media contact.
  • Just the facts, Jack. If you wrote it, you own it. Company facts, stats and quotes are right if they come from the source: the PR, compliance and legal departments.
  • Distribution made easy. The old fashioned news release goes up on the wire and company website for all to see. Just don't send it and forget it, your work has only just begun.
  • Create constant content. The news - company hires, milestones and recognition - can start with you, but it doesn't end there.
JANUARY EVENT: Communicating On A Shoestring

Stumped by a budget that seems impossible?
Do you have big ideas paired with a tiny wallet?
This month's panel is here to help!

January's event is all about communicating on a shoestring, with an emphasis on achieving great outcomes in spite of limited budgets. Panelists will offer insights, tips and real-world experiences on how they get creative to make their budgets work.
This month, you will hear from:

 

  • Kelly Ziegner - Director of Community Engagement at United Way of London & Middlesex
  • Nicole St. John - Program and Event Manager at Pillar Nonprofit Network
  • Anna Szczuka - Development & Communications Coordinator at Community Living London

 
When : January 28th, 2016 at 7:30-9:00 am
Where : Western University Continuing Studies, CitiPlaza
Tickets : $20 Students | $25 Members | $35 Non-members

RSVP is required by 12pm on Wednesday, January 27th.
Virtuoso Awards Call for Entries coming soon!

Call for Entries to the Virtuoso Awards opens on January 21, 2016.
 
The Virtuoso Awards is the only regional awards program in Southwestern Ontario that recognizes excellence in communications and the best in creative strategy and design.

Modeled after IABC's global Gold Quill and Canadian Silver Leaf awards programs, the Virtuoso Awards celebrate best practices that advance strategic business communications. Winners will be recognized at the Awards Celebration in June 2016.

This year, the Virtuoso Awards program has been updated based on the international and national programs to improve the entrant experience and the judging process. It's never been easier to apply:
  • Streamlined categories -  We've streamlined the number of categories in each division, meaning it's clearer which is a fit for your work. No project is too big or small to submit for consideration.
  • Skills Division has been revamped -  The Skills Division application requirements have been updated to align more closely with the tactical nature of these projects. This year, the work plan asks for a more concise explanation of the work, and judging criteria is adapted to fit these new requirements.
  • Simplified score sheets -  In all Communication Management divisions, the score sheets now ask judges to score entries on each section of criteria, which leaves time for more valuable feedback.
Join the community of communications excellence in London! Learn more about the Virtuoso Awards .
 
Member celebration: November and December 2015

Welcome to the following new members
who joined the London Chapter:
  • Rob Andrusevich
  • Naeemi Aweda
  • Julie Beltrano
  • Cassandra Caranci
  • Meghan Matties
  • Katarina Ovens
  • RenĂ©e Trombley
Thank you to members who renewed their IABC membership:
  • Katrina Clarke
  • Tommasina Conte
  • Fred DeVries
  • Vanessa Dolishny
  • Allyson Eckel
  • Kim Edwards
  • Monika Guzy
  • Richard Hoffman
  • Keith Marnoch, ABC
  • Liisa Sheldrick
  • Mary-Ellen Willard
Congratulations to the following members with a recent membership anniversary:
  • Catherine Finlayson - 34 years
  • Elena Aggelopoulos - 20 years
  • Keith Brooks, ABC - 18 years
  • Laura Dockstader - 18 years
  • Robert Way, ABC - 18 years
  • Fred DeVries - 13 years
  • Michele Martin, ABC - 11 years  
  • Angela Foresi - 10 years
  • Andrew Tompsett - 5 years
  • Sara Steers - 3 years
  • Ashley Conyngham - 2 years
  • Allyson Eckel - 1 year 
FindYourCalling
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About Connect
Connect is the monthly newsletter of IABC London.
Feedback and news ideas are always welcome.
Please contact Jeannette Palmer at [email protected]

Director of Communications: Andrea Lukac, [email protected] 

About IABC
IABC London is a chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that fosters business communication excellence in southwestern Ontario by providing professional development, recognition, accreditation and networking opportunities through a local, national and international network of communications professionals.