News,

September 10, 2009

Online Measurement and Strategies for New and Social Media

September 29 - Montréal, October 1 - Toronto, October 6 - Ottawa

Introduction

News Canada and the Media Relations Rating Points System present an evening series on measuring online public relations activities. This series has been designed to provide communications professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to engage their organization in new and social media. The series features two of Canada’s leading online strategy and measurement organizations.

At this speakers series, you will learn:
Social Media Planning

• How to prepare your organization for social media.
• How to develop an effective social media strategy.
• How to measure the effectiveness of your social media strategy.

Online measurement trends

• Learn how online measurement is performed.
• Learn the difference between comScore, Google Analytics, BuzzLogic, Alexa etc.
• Learn why online measurement for Public Relations and Advertising should be the same.

To register, visit www.mrpdata.com/register

September 9, 2009

DENIS RACINE STUDENT BURSARY IN PUBLIC RELATIONS LAUNCHED

The Vancouver Island chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS-VI) has named a student bursary in honour of Denis Racine who died January, 2009. Racine was a prominent figure in Victoria's public relations community and a strong mentor for youth. He was president of both CPRS-VI and CPRS National as well as Tournament Director for the Times Colonist Open and an advisor for the University of Victoria.

The annual bursary is available to CPRS-VI student members who live on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, are registered in a post-secondary educational program and have completed three or more courses.

The Denis Racine Student Busary funds are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

Donations to the Denis Racine Student Bursary may be sent to Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd,Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations educational initiatives, visit the website at www.cprs.ca/foundation or email the Foundation at foundation@prmediaconnection.com.

For further information about the bursary:
David Alexander, Education Director
Canadian Public Relations Society – Vancouver Island Chapter
david@zeroonedesign.com
Web: www.cprs-vi.org

June 22, 2009

CPRS welcomes Nine new members appointed to College of Fellows

TORONTO, ON–June 22, 2009 - The College of Fellows of the Canadian Public Relations Society announces that nine new members have been admitted. They are:

Jean Boileau APR (Gatineau)
Nicole Beaulieu APR (Montréal)
Sarah K. Jones APR (Ajax)
Sean Kelly APR (St John’s)
Colleen Killingsworth APR (Calgary)
Fraser Likely APR (Ottawa)
Gilles Roberge APR (Laval)
David Rowney APR (Oakville)
Janet Wile APR (Toronto)

 

They were appointed on the recommendation of College’s Selection Committee.

In welcoming the new members, College of Fellows Presiding Officer Bart Mindszenthy APR, FCPRS said: “We are delighted to welcome nine new Fellows into a College that truly demands its members have exemplary professional qualities and have made truly meaningful contributions to the practice and body of knowledge in public relations.”

To qualify for Fellowship status, members must have been public relations practitioners for 20 years, CPRS members for 10 years and must have obtained Accredited Public Relations (APR) practitioner certification. They must also be recognized as having brought a significant contribution to the practice of public relations and to the Canadian Public Relations Society.

There are currently 58 members in the College of Fellows, including this year’s appointments, and 24 Honorary Fellows.

For more information, please contact:
Karen Dalton, APR, Executive Director
Canadian Public Relations Society
4195 Dundas St. West, Suite 346
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4
416-239-7034 or kdalton@cprs.ca

June 18, 2009

Edsel Bonnell APR, FCPRS(H) L.M CPRS Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award Recipient for 2009

Toronto, ON, June 18, 2009 – Edsel Bonnell APR, FCPRS(H) L.M. was selected the recipient of the Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Annual Conference held last month in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“The Novikoff Award is presented to an accredited member of the Society who has advanced the standing of the public relations profession in Canada over time through professional and public relations practice, service to CPRS and the community overall,” said Karen Dalton, APR, Executive Director, CPRS National.

“The Awards selection committee commented that this public relations professional has, over the course of his dynamic and important career, furthered the standing of the public relations profession in Canada, added newly elected President Dr. Terence (Terry) Flynn APR, FCPRS “Edsel began a career in journalism in 1953 as a reporter with the St. John’s Evening Telegram and in 1959 he became Newfoundland’s first full-time professional Public Relations Consultant of the Newfoundland Public Relations Company Limited. Edsel has been a member for 36 years and was accredited in 1977, and in 2002 he became the first practitioner in Atlantic Canada to be appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the CPRS College of Fellows, and in 2005 was inducted as a Life Member (L.M). Edsel has been awarded six national Awards of Excellence and received the CPRS Award of Attainment in 1993,” he added.

Nominated by Sean Kelly APR, FCPRS, the supporting documentation demonstrates sound professional practice of public relations during his career, and has certainly advanced the practice by his pioneering theory and attitude in specific public relations fields. The echoing of the words mentor, sound advice, dedicated to advancing accreditation all appear to make this person a worthy recipient,” noted the selection committee.

“Throughout his career, Edsel has demonstrated a commitment to ethical public relations practice and, in the process, has become a role model for countless practitioners beyond him. Edsel is most deserving of this prestigious award,” added Dalton.

Established in 1989 in memory of public relations professional Philip A. Novikoff, the Award has been given to 13 recipients to date. Other recipients in order of award are: Louis J. Cahill APR, FCPRS; Dean Miller APR; David W. Annesley APR; Steven Parker APR, FCPRS; Ruth F. Hammond APR, FCPRS(H) L.M.; Luc Beauregard APR, FCPRS L.M.; Jim Osborne APR, FCPRS(H); Jean Freeman APR, FCPRS; Barbara Sheffield, APR, FCPRS L.M.; David Eisenstadt APR Fellow PRSA CPRS L.M.; and James Toccacelli APR; Bart Mindszenthy APR, FCPRS L.M. and David Grier APR L.M.

The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is the only Canadian professional association representing more than 1,800 public relations practitioners in 16 Member Societies across Canada who commit to following a Code of Professional Standards. The Society offers a program of professional accreditation in public relations (APR), professional development and education programs affiliated with various colleges and universities, a job registry, networking opportunities, annual national conference, a directory of all members and a forum for information sharing.

Contact:

Karen Dalton APR, Executive Director,
Canadian Public Relations Society
4195 Dundas St. West, Suite 346,
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4
(416) 239-7034
kdalton@cprs.ca

June 16, 2009

Media Book Author William Carney Named CPRS Award of Attainment Recipient for 2009

 

Toronto, ON, June 16, 2009 – Bill Carney was awarded the prestigious Award of Attainment at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Annual Conference held last week in Vancouver, BC.

“The Award of Attainment is presented to a member of the Society for outstanding achievement and service to public relations, said Karen Dalton APR, Executive Director of CPRS. “This year’s recipient has, through his personal activities and leadership made a pronounced contribution to the status and acceptance of the public relations function as a whole,” she said.

Newly elected CPRS President Dr. Terry Flynn APR, FCPRS added, “The selection committee named Mr. Carney the CPRS Award of Attainment recipient to recognize his outstanding achievement in contributing to the understanding of media relations in Canada.

“Unfortunately, the teaching of public relations in Canadian colleges and universities relies heavily on U.S. based publications,” Carney noted. “In the News reflects Canadian law and practice and is the only communications textbook used in the country that is Canadian based.” In the News is published by the University of Alberta Press, which submitted the book to the peer review process and established it as a scholarly work.

The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is the only Canadian professional association representing more than 1,800 public relations practitioners in 16 Member Societies across Canada who commit to following a Code of Professional Standards. The Society offers a program of professional accreditation in public relations (APR), professional development and education programs affiliated with various colleges and universities, a job registry, networking opportunities, annual national conference, a directory of all members and a forum for information sharing.

Contact: Karen Dalton, APR, Executive Director, Canadian Public Relations Society (416) 239-7034 kdalton@cprs.ca

For review copies or information, please contact: Bill Carney 306-757-6103 wwcarney@hotmail.com

June 10, 2009

CPRS honours the “best of the best” at National Awards Gala

Vancouver, BC, June 09, 2009 - The National Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) celebrated and recognized outstanding work among its peers at the Annual National Conference Gala dinner on June 09 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.

CPRS presented a total of 45 awards this year: 37 Awards of Excellence, 2 Special Awards and 6 Major Awards.

The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding achievement in a comprehensive public relations project or program. Judging was performed by an expert panel of leading public relations practitioners. The Major Awards are judged by the Awards Committee Presiding Officers in consultation with the National President.

This year’s generous sponsors were CNW Group, MARKETWIRE, FPinfomart,ca, NATIONAL, Leger Marketing, News Canada, Cision.

About CPRS
The Canadian Public Relations Society is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of 16 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide. Website: www.cprs.ca.

Awards of Excellence

Communications Management:
GOLD
Henry Stevens APR, NATIONAL Public Relations: “Toughnecks.” (Calgary)
SILVER
Greg Power, Cossette Communication Inc./Optimum PR.: “Metro Ontario Inc. Banner Conversion.” (Toronto)

Marketing Communications:
GOLD
Carol Panasiuk APR, Cohn & Wolfe: “Crock-On: Revitalizing the Crock-Pot brand.” (Toronto)
SILVER
Sharon Stevens APR, FCPRS, Communication Solutions Inc.: “’It’s Better Here’ Physician Recruitment Campaign.” (Kamloops)
BRONZE
Marion MacKenzie APR, GCI Group: “3M Command “Save the Walls” University Campus Tour.” (Toronto)

Community Relations:
GOLD
Olivia S. Yu, Environics Communications Inc.: “Canada’s Top Teen Philanthropist.” (Toronto)
BRONZE
Denise Carpenter APR, EPCOR Utilities Inc.: “Bissell Centre Work Boot Program.” (Edmonton)

Advocacy and Social Marketing:
SILVER
Carleen Carroll APR, Regional Municipality of Halton: “More Blue and Green for a
Better Planet.” (Oakville)
BRONZE
Lisa Kimmel, Edelman Public Relations: “FilterForGood: A mutual social responsibility initiative.” (Toronto)
BRONZE
Jeffrey C. Martin APR, FCPRS, c/o Pier 8 Group: “Think and Drive – Niagara Region Road Safety Awareness Campaign.”(Burlington)

Media Relations:
Campaign – conducted by an agency for a client
GOLD
Bruce MacLellan APR, FCPRS, Environics Communications Inc..: “Pronamel 2008: Be Acid Aware!” (Toronto)
SILVER
Alison George, Argyle Communications: “Recipe for Success: Edible Holiday Gifts from the Peanut Bureau of Canada.” (Toronto)
BRONZE
Pat McNamara APR, FCPRS, APEX Public Relations: “Nintendo Wii Fit Media ‘Wiilations’.” (Toronto) Campaign – conducted by a private sector corporation
SILVER
Thelma Hatzis, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd: “Take a Load off Toronto.” (Toronto)

Issues/Crisis Management:
BRONZE
Thelma Hatzis, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd: “Keep Cool.” (Toronto)
SILVER
Thelma Hatzis, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd: “Take a Load off Toronto.” (Toronto)

Government Relations:
GOLD
Nadia Hinds APR, MT&L Public Relations Ltd.: “Building Community Support for Nova Scotia’s Largest Wind Energy Project.” (Halifax)
SILVER
Nicole Pelletier ARP, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec: “Pour un meilleur CHUM.” (Montréal)
BRONZE
Nicole Pelletier ARP, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec: “Dénonciation du projet de loi C-484.” (Montréal)

Internal Communications:
GOLD
Heather Pullen APR, Hamilton Health Sciences: “Improving Patient Care Through Accreditation: Quality to the Core.” (Hamilton)
SILVER
Grant Bastedo APR, Information Services Corporation: “Safe to Say Employee Communication Strategy.” (Regina)
BRONZE
Josette Martel ARP and Annie Dallaire, Héma-Québec: “L’éthique … au quotidien!” (Saint-Laurent)
BRONZE
Michelle Wright, Conserve Nova Scotia: “Rethink – greener choices at work.” (Halifax)

Special Events:
GOLD
Thelma Hatzis, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd: “Take a Load off Toronto.” (Toronto)
SILVER
Bruce MacLellan APR, FCPRS, Environics Communications Inc.: “The passion behind pawsway: Launching Canada’s First Pet Discovery Centre.” (Toronto)
BRONZE
Pierre Tessier, OPTIMUM relations publiques: “Inauguration de l’usine pilote de traitement des brasques usées de Rio Tinto Alcan.” (Montréal)

Audio-Visual Projects:
SILVER
Karen White, Conserve Nova Scotia.: “Home Energy Upgrades: How-To Video.” (Halifax)

Print Projects:
GOLD
Patricia Webb, Translink – Greater Vancouver Transportation: “Transport 2040.” (Burnaby)
SILVER
Annie Dallaire and Josette Martel APR, Héma-Québec: “ Les Mots d’Héma … quand le journal interne devient participatif!” (Saint-Laurent)
BRONZE
Janet Harvey, Alberta Heritage: “Redesigning AHFMR’s Research News.” (Edmonton)

Electronic & Interactive:
GOLD
Tracey Bochner APR, Paradigm Public Relations Inc.: “A savvy way to talk about travel insurance: the creation of Savvy Traveller.ca.” (Toronto)
SILVER
Jim Kingdon, Changemakers Marketing Communications: “Spot the hazard interactive website.” (Winnipeg)
BRONZE
Sophie Lussier, Transat: “Mundo, l’intranet de Transat A.T. inc.” (Montréal)

Social Media:
GOLD
Diane Bégin, NAIT: “ Microblogging a celebrity chef media blitz.” (Edmonton)
SILVER
Rebecca Eras, Brookline Public Relations, Inc.: “Servus – ‘Young & Free’.” (Calgary)

Writing:
GOLD
Pat McNamara APR, FCPRS, APEX Public Relations: “Address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.” (Toronto)
SILVER
Carleen Carroll APR, Regional Municipality of Halton: “Trust: Positioning Halton Region as a trustworthy brand.” (Oakville)

SPECIAL AWARDS

Don Rennie Memorial Award for Excellence in Government Public Relations
Building Communities Together – Shelly Burich of Cariboo Regional District (Williams Lake) and Matt Wood of City of Quesnel (Quesnel)

CPRS/ CNW Student Award of Excellence
Steve St. Louis – Red River College (Winnipeg)

MAJOR AWARDS

CPRS Award of Attainment
William (Bill) Carney (Regina)

Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award Edsel Bonnell C.M., APR, FCPRS(H) L.M (St John’s)

CPRS Shield of Public Service
Bart Mindszenthy APR, FCPRS L.M (Toronto)

CPRS Lamp of Service
Sean Kelly APR, FCPRS , Karen McCarthy, Edsel Bonnell C.M., APR, FCPRS(H) L.M, Richard Sparkes APR, FCPRS (St John’s), Sarah K. Jones APR, FCPRS (Ajax)

CPRS Lectern Award
CPRS Calgary

Membership Achievement Award
Up to 75 Members – CPRS Regina
Over 75 Members – CPRS Calgary

For further information, please contact the CPRS National Office
Tel: 416-239-7034
Fax: 416-239-1076
admin@cprs.ca

May 27, 2009

Communications + Public Relations Foundation

73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd, Suite 1515
Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3

Phone
416- 242-6146

Fax
416-242-6146

Email
foundation@prmediaconnection.com

Website:
www.cprs.ca

Michelle Idzenga is Brock University’s 2009 Lou Cahill Scholarship Winner

Toronto – Michelle Idzenga, St. Catharines, Ontario, is the 2009 winner of the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications, awarded by Brock University, St. Catharines. The Scholarship is awarded to a communications student in the final year of study for academic excellence, community involvement and participation in charitable activities.

The Scholarship was established by OEB Enterprise, Toronto, to honour Lou Cahill, the founder of OEB International, Canada’s longest-operating public relations firm and a subsidiary of the Enterprise Canada Group. An icon of the Canadian public relations industry, Lou Cahill died in November 2008 at the age of 94. He held an honorary doctoral degree from Brock.

"We are delighted that Michelle Idzenga has received the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications”, said Barbara Fox, OEB Enterprise President and Chief Executive Officer. “Michelle’s tireless commitment to her community and education certainly would have made Lou Cahill proud."

“Michelle is one of those rare students who exhibits a real desire to make a difference in her community whether it is in the classroom or beyond the university,” said Sharon Broderick, one of her instructors at Brock. “Her focus, energy and dedication contribute to her student legacy.”

A scholarship winner throughout her university studies including the 2007 Anita Skinner Scholarship in Communications, Idzenga was invited in 2009 to serve as a student representative on the Brock Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty Award jury for Excellence in Teaching. As well, she has handled assignments at Brock serving as a teaching assistant providing advice to students concerning course material, marking seminar presentations and exams.

She also acted as a public relations coordinator for the Canadian Media Directors Council 2009 Annual Conference, Toronto, where she managed public relations activities in a virtual environment.

“Michelle was thrown into a high-pressure environment,” said Mark Symka, Cossette Communications. “She co-ordinated speaker arrivals and on-site public relations at the largest media industry conference in Canada, attended by close to 700 executives from media agencies, media and marketing services companies. She handled herself with poise and professionalism throughout the day-long event and played a key role in the meeting’s success.”

In addition, Idzenga has volunteered with the Annual Bluesaganze Festival, St. Catharines, to raise funds for Autism Ontario, and is currently a volunteer with Niagara Powerlifting Club, St. Catharines, where she assists with its annual competitions.

Idzenga has also worked as a customer service representative for Royal Bank of Canada branches in St. Catharines and Welland where she has been involved in assisting clients with their financial needs. She participated in the organization of the bank’s community involvement fundraising initiatives--The Weekend to End Breast Cancer and Welland Food Bank

The Lou Cahill Scholarship monies are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

Applications for the annual Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications, valued at $1,250 for eligible graduating students from the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film at Brock University, are available from the University’s Student Awards and Financial Aid Office. Scholarship winners have an opportunity to participate in a four-month internship with OEB Enterprise following graduation.

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations educational initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Chair, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone 416 242-6146 or e-mail foundation@prmediaconnection.com

Contacts:        May 27, 2009

Barbara Sheffield, APR, FCPRS
(416) 242-6146
foundation@prmediaconnection.com

Jeffrey Sinibaldi
Brock University
(905) 688-5550, ext. 4687
Jeffrey.Sinibaldi@brocku.ca

For more information about the Scholarship, please visit:
www.brocku.ca/safa/scholarship.html

May 1, 2009

CPRS Executive Director Karen Dalton, APR was on hand to promote the benefits of membership at the recent Ontario Government’s Communications Conference ReachOut: The Audience is Waiting held May 1^st in Toronto

 

March, 23rd, 2009

Global Alliance launches international survey of PR professionals

Taking the pulse of the profession, survey will inform GA’s new five-year strategic plan

 

LUGANO, SWITZERLAND, 23 March 2009 -- The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management, the umbrella organization linking public relations professional associations worldwide, today launched an international online survey on the state of the profession today. http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/246239/2340/.

 

The survey’s goal is to hear from PR professional associations and individual practitioners around the world on the key issues that will affect practitioners, associations and the profession in the next five years. The results will inform the development of the Global Alliance’s new strategic plan for 2009-2014. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the results will be presented at the Global Alliance's annual general meeting on June 6, 2009, in Vancouver, Canada.

 

“It’s fitting for the Global Alliance to use a global survey to take the pulse of the public relations profession today,” said Colin Farrington, chair of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management. “Our 77 member associations will have the final say on our strategic plan – but we want our work to be informed by the views of individual practitioners who share our vision of ‘one profession, one voice’.”

GA completes 2003-2008 strategic plan

The Global Alliance’s most recent strategic plan yielded some important achievements. These included:

 

·         the ratification of a Global Protocol on Ethics by 30 countries;

·         benchmark research into accreditation and professional credentials schemes around the world;

·         the launch of a global study on PR curriculum standards;

·         the development of a comprehensive website (www.globalalliancepr.org) with resources and information on the practice of public relations around the world;

·         the securing of membership in the United Nations structure as a non-governmental organization, to enable advocacy for the profession in the public interest; and

·         the establishment of the Global Alliance Center and Secretariat in Lugano, Switzerland.

 

A prize for participation

The Global Alliance will randomly select one survey respondent to receive a three-night trip to Lugano, Switzerland, for an executive-level course in communication management (value EUR 1800). Transportation is not included.

 

About the Global Alliance (www.globalalliancepr.org)

The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management is the umbrella organization linking PR professional associations around the world. By partnering with associations in more than 70 countries, the Alliance works to increase professionalism in public relations and enhance the global influence of the profession. The Alliance’s activities focus on setting standards, sharing resources, advocacy for the profession and outreach to help national associations grow.

For more information:

Daniel Tisch APR Global Alliance Board dtisch@argylecommunications.com

Nina Volles or Jennifer Hayes GA Center, Lugano info@globalalliancepr.org

March 2, 2009

The Canadian Public Relations Society Inc. (CPRS) is pleased to announce that 21 public relations professionals from across Canada successfully completed the requirements for becoming accredited Members of CPRS in 2008.

February 25, 2009

FRASER, Robert Graeme After a very full and active life at the age of 94. Beloved husband and best friend of June Isobel Ferguson. Dear father of Sonia and Rhonda and brother of Dr. Keith Fraser. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Mark, Christine and Rachel and great-grandchildren Emily, Daniel, Madelan, Sophie, Leah, Rebecca and Patrick. Graeme served for five years in the European Theatre of World War 2, landing in Normandy and seeing action throughout Normandy, France, Belgium, and Holland. After Victory he returned to Canada as Major to join with Budge Crawley for 42 years to build Crawley Films into Canada's largest film production company. Very active as a volunteer in his community he became President of many organizations - United Way, Canadian Club, Ottawa Civic Hospital (13 years as Trustee), Canadian Film and Television Association, International Association of Film Producers, Canadian Advertising and Sales Federation, Ottawa Visitors and Convention Bureau, Red Cross, Public Relations Chair of St. John Ambulance and Chaired the United Way Campaign. He was a Director of the Board of Trade, Better Business Bureau, Central Volunteer Bureau, Canadian Institute of Association Executives, and a member of the National Finance Bureau of the United Church. In 1967 he was made a Knight of the Order of St. John and for 45 years was a valued member of the Ottawa Rotary Club. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Home, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 2pm to 5pm. A celebration of Graeme's life will be held in the Chapel on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 11am. For those wishing, donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

February 11, 2009

Awards of Excellence – What makes a submission stand out?

February 09, 2009

The Manitoba Society of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is inviting nominations for its second annual Communicator of the Year Award. The organization established the award to honour individuals or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in public communications in business, politics, entertainment, non-profits, or the community at large. Nominations are now open. Deadline for nominations is February 13, 2009. Nomination, workshop, and luncheon ticket information are online at www.cprs.mb.ca. (read more)

January 30, 2009

Newly released memoir by veteran CPRS member and former journalist Nix Wadden

WHEN DANNY WAS JOEY

 

Political wrangling between Newfoundland and Ottawa, as in Danny Williams versus Stephen Harper, is nothing new - a message coming through loud and clear in Yesterday's News: Radio and TV Reporting in the Smallwood Era, a newly released memoir by veteran CPRS member and former journalist Nix Wadden. Based on a dozen years experience with St. John's NL broadcast media, it deals with industrial and political events half a century ago when Premier Joey Smallwood dominated the Newfoundland scene, particularly in his battles with the Federal Government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. It recalls significant highlights of that period, notably two dramatic events in 1959 - a devastating loggers strike and fiery political battles over a controversial clause in the terms of union by which Newfoundland had entered Confederation 10 years earlier

Tracing the early days of Newfoundland's broadcast news media, Wadden recalls setting up the first newsroom operation at VOCM, now the leading radio news outlet in the province. The station's popular Back Talk open line host Bill Rowe hailed "Yesterday's News" as "a great book...It's very interesting and amusing, and really brings back the old nostalgia.. I'll be very surprised if this is not a best seller."

Well known public relations professional Edsel Bonnell, APR, of St. John's had this comment: "What a glorious, frolicsome romp through the fallow fields of yesteryear! I laughed a lot, wept a wee bit, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It's a super piece of work. Thanks for the memories."

James A. McGrath, a former federal Fisheries and Oceans minister and Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland, commented: "Nix Wadden has given us an important window on the early days of our evolution as a province. His take on the development of news media makes great reading, especially for those of us who lived through it."

Published in November 2008 by DRC Publishing of St. John's, NL, Yesterday's News is on sale ($16.95) in bookstores across Newfoundland and Labrador, and in Chapters outlets as far apart as Halifax, NS and Fort McMurray, AB. It may be ordered on line from www.shopdownhome.com Signed copies may be requested from the author at nix.wadden@sympatico.ca.

Nix Wadden was an active member of CPRS Ottawa for more than 30 years, beginning in the late 1960s. He obtained his APR certificate in 1981, and served for a number of years on the CPRS Ottawa executive, including one term as President in 1988-89. He was one of the main organizers of a national CPRS Government Section and was its national chairman from 1983 to 1985. An Ottawa resident since 1966, he served as a federal government information officer and senior public affairs manager in Fisheries and Oceans (1966-84), Transport Canada 1984-92 and the Federal Communications Council (1993-94)

January 23, 2009

CPRS National Past President Denis Racine, APR has died

On January 17, 2009, Denis Racine passed away peacefully at his home after a short battle with cancer. Denis graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1972 where he was president elect of the Student Union. After a long career with Government in Ottawa, Denis moved to Victoria in 1992 to join BC Buildings Corporation (BCBC) as the Director of Corporate Communications and that year he received his APR designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). After an established career in public relations Denis was elected President of the Vancouver Island (CPRS) Society and in 1999 became National President of CPRS. Denis was also honoured to serve as an advisor with the UVic Business and Board of Advisors and proudly mentored many MBA students.

He retired from BCBC in 2005 and was counting on many years of golfing, travelling with his wife and spending quality time with his family and friends. Since his retirement, Denis took on the responsibility of Tournament Director for the Times Colonist Open something he was passionate about.

Denis enjoyed life to the fullest. As an avid golfer he was ecstatic when he got his first hole-in-one at a tournament in 2004 at Bear Mountain and won a car. Denis loved to ski and he enjoyed hockey and football games. Music was also an integral part of his life. He played and taught guitar, loved singing and attending Jazz Festivals. His favourite and most relaxing hobby was going fishing with friends. Denis took numerous fishing trips in the Queen Charlotte's with good friends and always came home with plenty of fish and amazing stories. He enjoyed a good glass of wine and delicious food in great company.

Most would agree that there was never a dull moment when Denis was around. He truly had la joie de vivre. He will be missed. Repose en paix cher Denis. We wish to thank the Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care for their wonderful support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made if desired to the Victoria Hospice or the Canadian Diabetes Association. A celebration of his life will be held at Uplands Golf Course, Victoria, BC, Saturday, February 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.