Valley Metro hits the right note to encourage use of public transit

April 25, 2012

The Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority recognized that some Phoenix residents are confused about its services.
 

#Election

April 01, 2012

Social media continues to emerge as a key battleground on which Democrats and Republicans must excel in order to excite and activate voters.
 

DC Influencer: Ellen Davis, National Retail Federation

April 01, 2012

Ellen Davis, VP of the National Retail Federation, talks to Virgil Dickson about the organization's key role in bolstering the US economy.
 

When the Internet went dark, a light shone on the power of a unified public

Blair FitzGibbon, FitzGibbon Media April 01, 2012

When dawn broke on January 18, 2012, conventional wisdom held that two legislative threats to regulate the Internet - SOPA and PIPA - would easily win Congressional approval.
 

PR pros' influence increases in Washington policy debate

April 01, 2012

Many lobbying groups reported flat or negative revenues in 2011, a far cry from the double-digit growth they experienced in the mid-2000s.
 

Savvy PR provides funding for school superintendents

March 23, 2012

Last spring, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn proposed a budget that eliminated funding for 44 offices of regional superintendents of schools (impacting 90 superintendents).
 

DC Influencer: Shawn Farley, American College of Radiology

March 01, 2012

Shawn Farley, director of public affairs at the American College of Radiology, talks to Virgil Dickson about beating back budget cuts.
 

Environmentalists provide the pipeline for getting a message across in Washington

Jamie Henn, 350.org March 01, 2012

The story of how a unique coalition of ranchers, farmers, everyday citizens, and DC environmentalists turned the Keystone XL pipeline, a 1,700-mile project from the Canadian tar sands to the Gulf of Mexico, into the largest environmental fight of the year is full of lessons for those looking to put an issue, brand, or message onto the public agenda.
 

Aggressive debt collectors put FTC outreach to the test

March 01, 2012

Debt collectors are turning to increasingly aggressive and sometimes illegal tactics to collect money.
 

Newsmaker: Barry Caldwell, Waste Management

March 01, 2012

Thanks to Waste Management's SVP of government affairs and corporate comms, an increasingly receptive audience is learning how much good garbage can do.
 

Easter Seals rallies supporters to make its case to lawmakers

March 01, 2012

Easter Seals launched "Make the First Five Count" last spring to engage existing supporters and younger audiences and influence lawmakers to raise funding for early intervention services by up to $100 million in the coming years.
 

Habits: Kiki McLean, senior partner, MD, global head of public affairs, Porter Novelli

February 01, 2012

You always have a chance to fix a bad decision, but you can't meet a challenge with no decision.
 

DC Influencer: Rachna Choudhry, Popvox

February 01, 2012

Rachna Choudhry, cofounder and CMO of Popvox, highlights how the advocacy website amplifies the public's message to Congress.
 

Armed forces deploy plan to buoy veterans' job prospects

February 01, 2012

In lieu of a formal campaign, the armed forces have turned to guerilla communications tactics to highlight the employment needs of veterans.
 

DC Influencer: Rebecca Spicer, National Beer Wholesalers Association

January 01, 2012

Rebecca Spicer, VP of public affairs and comms at the National Beer Wholesalers Association, talks about garnering bipartisan support.
 

Public policy victories are a crucial element in the battle against cancer

Chris Hansen January 01, 2012

Fighting cancer is as much a public policy issue as it is a medical and scientific challenge.
 

Doctors at heart of outreach plans for medical companies

January 01, 2012

Drug and device companies are utilizing a slew of communication strategies to maintain relationships with physicians in an era in which they must publish payments made to doctors.
 

DC Influencer: Megan Pollock, Consumer Electronics Association

December 01, 2011

Megan Pollock, comms director for the Consumer Electronics Association, talks about hot-button issues in public policy for 2012.
 

A streamlined comms effort becomes increasingly crucial when issues linger

James Millar, TransCanada December 01, 2011

We are all familiar with issues management.
 

Consumer attention prompts hospitals to adjust outreach

December 01, 2011

As consumers take a more active role in their healthcare, hospitals have had to adopt a stronger consumer strategy.
 

Public Affairs Roundtable: Changes in policy

November 01, 2011

Public affairs leaders joined Rose Gordon at this Fleishman-Hillard-sponsored roundtable in Washington, DC, to discuss how their sector is impacted by factors such as the economy and the upcoming election.
 

DC Influencer: Rich Taylor, Entertainment Software Assoc.

November 01, 2011

Entertainment Software Assoc. SVP of comms and industry affairs Rich Taylor discusses the widening reach of his organization and sector.
 

As urban populations grow, so will requirements facing healthcare comms

Jeanine O'Kane, MSLGroup November 01, 2011

The world's population is nearly 7 billion, about half are urban dwellers. In less than 20 years, experts predict that some 5 billion people will live in cities.
 

Organizations tread carefully to gain super committee's ear

November 01, 2011

With a Thanksgiving week deadline looming for the congressional "super committee," lobbyists have under a month for their messages to be heard by the panel.
 

Can President Obama effect a comms reversal with voters in the next year?

November 01, 2011

A lot can happen in one year.
 

Legacy supplements its efforts to highlight cigarette-butt dangers

November 01, 2011

Legacy sought to create buzz for a supplemental publication that contained research discussing the harsh environmental effects of cigarette-butt littering.
 

New York State realtors make a play to tout local property tax cap

November 01, 2011

New York's local property taxes are 78% higher than the national average. Discussions on capping them had gone on for about 30 years, with no resolution.
 

DC Influencer: Carol Kelly, National Association of Chain Drug Stores

October 01, 2011

National Association of Chain Drug Stores SVP, government affairs Carol Kelly discusses risks of online pharmacies with Bernadette Casey.
 

Pharma companies should embrace the possibilities new Facebook rules offer

Laura Kempke, Schwartz MSL October 01, 2011

Facebook notified pharma companies that, as of August 15, they could no longer disable the comments functionality on their Facebook pages.
 

Transportation groups strike right chord with toll message

October 01, 2011

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently approved a highway toll increase, preceded by what PR pros call one of the sector's smartest and slickest communications plans.
 

Department of Commerce arm sells USA Today on value of its global education effort

October 01, 2011

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration's primary media goal is to raise awareness for President Obama's National Export Initiative.
 

Newsmaker: Tita Freeman, National Retail Federation

October 01, 2011

As big banks can attest, the National Retail Federation's new SVP of comms and public affairs is quickly establishing the organization as a major voice on the Hill.
 

The royal treatment benefits Inner-City Arts

September 09, 2011

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planned a visit to the Los Angeles nonprofit Inner-City Arts.
 

Armed and ready: Career Guide 2011

Michelle Lodge September 01, 2011

Military training is not often associated with comms, but as Michelle Lodge discovers, the PR industry has DINFOS to thank for training some of its best talent.
 

Lowdown: Social media on the Hill

September 01, 2011

Congress is often viewed as slow to adapt to change, but ts attitude is shifting when it comes to using social media to reach its constituents.
 

Seattle cops guilty of Twitter misuse

September 01, 2011

The Seattle Police Department sought to improve its perception and increase public engagement by showing the wide range of challenges officers have to face.
 

DC Influencer: Ibrahim Hooper, Council on American-Islamic Relations

September 01, 2011

Council on American-Islamic Relations comms director Ibrahim Hooper talks to Bernadette Casey about improving Islam's perception.
 

Constructive communications can play key role in turning the economy around

Debra Cabral, Porter Novelli September 01, 2011

The deficit-reduction package consuming Washington will still dominate the policy agenda long after Congress returns from its August recess.
 

With patents expiring, Big Pharma shifts outreach focus

September 01, 2011

With patents on 20 of the top-selling prescription drugs expiring within 14 months, generic versions will siphon $255 billion in annual sales from pharma companies.
 

Royal couple nets 'regular' response

August 01, 2011

The royal couple made a point of experiencing the decidedly unaristocratic side of life during their stay in California.
 

DC Influencer: Gregory O'Dell, Events DC (Extended)

August 01, 2011

Events DC's president and CEO Gregory O'Dell talks to Bernadette Casey about the rebranding of the organization and its global initiative.
 

A simple, powerful message fueled an historic day for the LGBT community

Jennifer Cunningham August 01, 2011

The battle for the passage of same-sex marriage illustrates some key tenets of our trade.
 

Election process bolstered by maturing social media efforts

Michelle Lodge August 01, 2011

Social media is not new to the presidential race, but elevating the way it's used to garner better information and more targeted results is.
 

Determined effort helps coalition abolish death penalty in Illinois

Michelle Lodge August 01, 2011

Repealing the death penalty in Illinois was deemed a long shot by most everyone, but that didn't stop the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
 

DC Influencer: Lloyd Brown, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials

July 01, 2011

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials comms director Lloyd Brown talks about being the media.
 

There's a place for both new and traditional channels in cause engagement

Jennifer Wayman, Ogilvy PR Worldwide July 01, 2011

The digital revolution's impact on the way Americans engage with causes and social issues has not yet reached its full potential.
 

Social media entities bolster their presence in Washington

Michelle Lodge July 01, 2011

Any smart leader knows that to grow a business and protect an industry's interests, having a presence in Washington is essential.
 

DC Influencer: Sally Buzbee, Washington bureau chief, AP

June 01, 2011

Sally Buzbee, Washington bureau chief for AP, talks to PRWeek about its multi-platform news offerings and covering the 2012 White House race.
 

Energy utilities must meet the demand to communicate more effectively

Matt Wolfrom June 01, 2011

We stand on the cusp of a historic shift in the energy markets with the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order for Demand Response.
 

Restoring confidence crucial to US nuclear energy industry

Michelle Lodge June 01, 2011

Since the Japanese tsunami triggered the accident at the country's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, support in the US for nuclear energy has waned.
 

Org Chart: Deutsche Bank Americas has new voice at the top

June 01, 2011

Former White House writer Francis Kelly takes the helm as head of communications and public affairs at Deutsche Bank Americas.
 

Food Fight: Helpful information vs. consumer overload

June 01, 2011

New stakeholders in the food sector are devising their own nutritional labeling strategies ahead of the FDA.
 

Spontaneity of comms today necessitates rapid education in social media tactics

Mark Irion May 01, 2011

Networking means one thing to Mark Zuckerberg, but quite another to those of us in the business of strategic communications.
 

Multinationals recognize the need for global coordination

May 01, 2011

Multinational companies are increasingly developing coordinated public affairs strategies and campaigns for global issues.
 

DC Influencer: Thomas Collamore, US Chamber of Commerce

April 01, 2011

Thomas Collamore, SVP of communications and strategy at the US Chamber of Commerce, talks to Jaimy Lee about uncertainty in the economy and addressing the regulatory environment with the Obama administration.
 

Nervous US work force poses comms obstacle to free trade

April 01, 2011

President Obama promised in January to double US exports over the next five years, a goal the administration says could create up to 2 million jobs in the US.
 

DC Influencer: Marion Nestle, New York University

March 01, 2011

Marion Nestle, professor at New York University and food policy expert, talks to Jaimy Lee about the soda tax, obesity, and other key issues
 

In public policy arena, the Internet has secured game-changing status

Gloria Story Dittus March 01, 2011

Some moments you never forget. One of those occurred almost 15 years ago when a senior client asked me if I truly felt people would turn to the Internet for serious public policy debates.
 

Digital specialists emerge as power players in Washington

March 01, 2011

As digital firms gain greater influence over public affairs budgets, holding companies are identifying digital shops to both acquire and partner with in order to better control competition and provide stronger client service.
 

DC Influencer: Peter Cleveland, Intel

February 01, 2011

Intel's global public policy director Peter Cleveland speaks with Jaimy Lee about the ways innovation fits into the company's policy agenda
 

A certain level of insurgency will amplify the impact of public affairs efforts

Tony Podesta February 01, 2011

How do you achieve results in Washington? The best answer: don't use a boilerplate Beltway strategy.
 

Complexity of healthcare laws spurs rise in education efforts

February 01, 2011

The national focus on healthcare heated up again late last year as Republican policymakers promised to repeal the reform law at the same time the industry moved forward with plans to evolve its business.
 

Committee saves housing law

January 07, 2011

The Committee to Protect the Affordable Housing Law launched a grassroots campaign last year to convince Massachusetts voters to reject a proposed repeal in November's mid-term elections.
 

DC Influencer: Steve Ubl, CEO, AdvaMed

January 01, 2011

Steve Ubl, CEO of AdvaMed, talks to Jaimy Lee about communicating innovation and the need for certainty in the medical technology industry
 

Information helps establish an organization's credibility, one fact at a time

Barbara Van Allen January 01, 2011

It could be the latest unemployment report, current political approval ratings, or today's high and low temperatures.
 

The Recovery Act stimulates new business for PR agencies

January 01, 2011

In the two years since President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, at least $92 million has been awarded to PR firms - and more than two-thirds of funds went to contracts related to health promotion and social marketing.
 

Org Chart: The US Chamber of Commerce places emphasis on strategy

January 01, 2011

Since Thomas Collamore and Tita Freeman joined the US Chamber of Commerce, in 2007 and 2008, respectively, there has been a noteworthy shift in focus to be more strategic and proactive and less reactive and transactional.
 

Think tanks still generate activity during an otherwise quiet month in DC

Melissa Skolfield December 01, 2010

December is a low-key month in Washington. Congress is in recess and quiet planning goes on for the new session in January.
 

DC Influencer: Mike Riley, managing editor, Bloomberg Government

December 01, 2010

Mike Riley, managing editor at Bloomberg Government, talks to Jaimy Lee about its January launch and unique view on covering politics
 

Businesses boost engagement efforts amid GOP House gains

December 01, 2010

The business community plans to focus on education and engagement with policymakers in Washington following the wealth of Republican successes in November's midterm elections.
 

Public Affairs Roundtable: Beltway challenges

November 01, 2010

Corporate crises, the midterm elections, and a shifting media landscape are all realities impacting public affairs.
 

DC Influencer: Josh Gottheimer, senior counselor, FCC

November 01, 2010

Josh Gottheimer, senior counselor at the FCC, talks to Jaimy Lee about the National Broadband Plan and the communications challenges of complex issues.
 

Political campaigns should keep blasts in the past when forming digital tactics

Joe Rospars November 01, 2010

Spending on online political campaigning hit its high water mark in 2008's presidential race.
 

Agencies battle for military work amid spending reviews

November 01, 2010

Military spending has been a hot-button topic over the past decade - from the Afghan and Iraq wars to hefty defense company contracts. But now it has become an issue at the forefront of policy debates in the private sector and government agencies.
 

Journalist Q&A: Jim VandeHei, executive editor, Politico

November 01, 2010

Jim VandeHei, executive editor and cofounder of Politico, talks to Jaimy Lee about the big stories Politico will chase in 2011, the outlet's coverage of the Tea Party, and the difficulties the White House faces communicating on jobs
 

Midterm messages focus on economy

October 29, 2010

WASHINGTON: The Democrats and Republicans have ramped up communications leading up to the midterm elections on November 2, with the state of the economy taking center stage.
 

Science Coalition issues report to underscore the value of its research

October 01, 2010

The Science Coalition, a DC-based group of private and public research institutions, sought to show the social and economic benefits of its members' research.
 

DC Influencer: Harris Miller, president, Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities

October 01, 2010

Harris Miller, president of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, talks to Jaimy Lee about for-profit education's image
 

Facts will always prevail no matter how contentious the political process

John Walls October 01, 2010

There are many who believe today's political climate is the most acrimonious and bitterly partisan in our nation's history. Some make a living perpetuating that notion. However, let's not fool ourselves, nor be lulled into a sense of political malaise
 

Companies grasp bottom-line benefit of touting policy goals

October 01, 2010

Earlier this year, Eric Spiegel took over as president and CEO of Siemens in the US. The energy expert also announced that he planned to stay in Washington and that the company would be moving its headquarters there
 

CMO Q&A: Bruce Jasurda, CMO, US Army Accessions Command

October 01, 2010

Bruce Jasurda, CMO for US Army Accessions Command, talks to Alexandra Bruell about recruitment challenges and use of social media
 

Staying grassroots is key to Tea Party success

September 24, 2010

The Tea Party is unlikely to organize itself around a central leader or platform, even as it gains momentum following a series of electoral upsets in the Republican senate primaries
 

DC Influencer: Lisa Guillermin Gable, executive director, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation

September 01, 2010

Lisa Guillermin Gable, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation executive director, talks to Jaimy Lee about its role in the war on obesity.
 

Proper crisis management can go a long way toward protecting the brand

Anita Dunn September 01, 2010

When the USDA, the White House, and the mainstream media fell prey to a doctored video that claimed to give reverse racism a name - Shirley Sherrod - it underscored the need for organizations large and small to review their crisis communications plans, particularly given the speed of information flow in our digital age.
 

Gulf spill fails to spur comms changes from related sectors

September 01, 2010

Within four months, the BP oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico became the world's largest offshore spill and raised issues from jobs to the reduction of greenhouse gases within the political debate.
 

NV engages diverse groups for census outreach

August 06, 2010

Because census participation determines federal funding for many state programs, Nevada secretary of state Ross Miller "felt obligated" to run a campaign promoting participation.
 

DC Influencer: James Hoffa Jr., general president, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

August 01, 2010

James Hoffa Jr, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, speaks to Jaimy Lee about the recession's impact on his union.
 

Political, business leaders must epitomize the strength of compromise

Debra Cabral August 01, 2010

Washington has been in full swing this summer, playing the blame game rather than solving our nation's problems.
 

Focus on astroturfing spurs need to ensure authenticity

August 01, 2010

Communicators have increasingly turned to grassroots programs to engage and activate stakeholders over the past two years, as policymakers in Washington assess issues ranging from healthcare reform to climate change.
 

Consumers Union finds a happy medium with recent 'Colbert Report' segment

August 01, 2010

Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, is a nonprofit whose mission is to make the marketplace better and safer for consumers.
 

Org Chart: New SVP seeks to clarify US Fund for UNICEF's message

August 01, 2010

Veronica Pollard joined the US Fund for UNICEF in April, after serving as VP of communications and public policy for Save the Children.
 

Should a CEO be a company's primary spokesperson during a crisis?

August 01, 2010

Chris Gidez of Hill & Knowlton and Mike Lawrence of Cone debate whether or not a company's CEO should serve as the primary spokesperson during a crisis.
 

Numbers add up for Medsphere as it introduces ROI calculator

August 01, 2010

Medsphere was founded in 2002, but only recently identified a need to raise awareness about its open-source electronic health record (EHR) with hospital C-suites, not just health IT and informatics pros.
 

The American Jewish Committee exhibits the power of community

August 01, 2010

The American Jewish Committee of San Francisco partnered with various nonprofits to present "The Jews in Modern China" from February 24 to May 16, 2010. Located at the Officers Club Exhibit Hall at the Presidio in San Francisco, the exhibit showcases the ties between the Jewish and Chinese communities.
 

Golf course strikes back against animal cruelty

July 30, 2010

It was one specific incident that prompted Baltimore Municipal Golf Corporation to use its resources, and those of AOR Maroon PR, to help prevent animal cruelty.
 

Journalist Q&A: Steven Gutkin, oil spill editor, The Associated Press

July 16, 2010

Steven Gutkin has been with The Associated Press since 1990 and for the past six years has served as bureau chief for Israel and Palestinian territories.
 

DC Influencer: Brent Wilkes, executive director, the League of United Latin American Citizens

July 01, 2010

Brent Wilkes, executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, discusses business' role in the immigration debate with Jaimy Lee.
 

Constituents of the FDA are beginning to realize benefits of a united message

Wayne Pines July 01, 2010

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates about one in every four dollars of consumer spending in the US.
 

GOP alters strategy with an eye on reclaiming Congress

July 01, 2010

The Republican Party is addressing the upcoming mid-term elections by refining its messaging to focus on core conservative issues that will sway voters, especially independents.
 

Org Chart: CDC boosts comms by combining offices

July 01, 2010

When Dr. Thomas Frieden came on as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 2009, the entire agency went through an organizational improvement process, including the communications function.
 
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