Rebuilding Brand America - June 14

The June PRSA Boston program is going to be one to remember, and one I think will be of particular interest to senior-level managers. (That doesn't mean new professionals should not come though - everyone can get a lot out of it).

Dick Martin, former EVP of PR and Brand Management for AT&T and distinguished author, will be speaking on rebuilding brand America. He will share his insights into what America and American business must do to safeguard the future of American business abroad.

Martin will speak on the topic of his newly released book, Rebuilding Brand America, which shows how U.S. global companies can help rebuild America’s reputation by becoming new, more sympathetic ambassadors to the world—without loaded political agendas.

Martin will discuss topics from his book, which include:

· How America is perceived around the world and why.
· How the practice of capitalism in America is different from the rest of the world and what that means for U.S. multinational companies.
· How many traditional American values differ from ideals in the rest of the world. How that can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
· How branding works. Why it is not advertising or PR and what it has to do with anti-Americanism.

Following are the details:

Date: June 14, 2007 – 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Networking/Dinner: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Place: Foley Hoag LLP Law Offices
Seaport World Trade Center West
155 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210


Seating is limited. Sign up now by clicking here.

Doing it right at Curry College

Today I wanted to recognize a student at Curry College (and the College itself) for outstanding achievements in public relations.

Specifically, last week, a Curry College senior, Ted Smith, who is majoring in public relations, was honored with the college Communication Department’s “Public Relations Award.”

One of the professors there asked me if I would be willing to write a letter congratulating him on this recognition. I was more than happy to do so (note: He interned at the agency for which I work, but I had nothing to do with the award or application, and I did not manage him). Rather than keep the letter available to just a small circle of people, I wanted to share with the greater Boston PR community the kind of professional that is coming out of our schools

The letter read as follows:

On behalf of the Boston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and its 400 members, I extend my congratulations to Ted Smith for being honored with Curry College’s “Public Relations Award” in recognition of his consistent scholastic achievements, successful completion of an internship at the premier PR agency for high-tech and medical companies, and unfailingly enthusiastic work as a Speech Associate in the College’s “Speaking Center.”

In addition, as a former PRSSA member myself and avid supporter of student-based public relations organizations, I am especially proud to recognize your work as the founding vice president of the Curry College Public Relations Student Association. You and your fellow board members have set a great example for others who follow in your footsteps. You have set the bar high by your own personal example of what an aspiring public relations professional can accomplish.

It is only with passionate advocates, dedicated to excellence in public relations, that our profession can grow, prosper and maintain public trust. You have amply demonstrated that dedication, and we, your professional colleagues, extend our sincerest congratulations. We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Public Relations Society of America in the not-too-distant future.


Have you taken the time to interact with the next generation of public relations professions? If not, you should. But based on my experiences with Ted and the other interns at Schwartz - I am confident the new graduates will build on the work we have done and to steal a hackneyed cliche - The future is bright.

Congratulations Ted and congratulations Curry!

Beer helps you be a better PR person!

If I told you drinking beer can make you a better PR person, many of you that don't know me would wonder if I lost my mind. (Those that do would helpfully offer to take my extensive single malt collection off my hands).

But, last night at the Boston Beer Company (makers of the great Sam Adams beer), Michelle Sullivan, the company's director of PR shared some great advice on product PR with 30+ PRSA Members over a few glasses of adult beverages.

What I really liked about the program is that Michelle focused on six case studies - five that showed what they did well and one that showed what they tried that failed. Many of these case studies have lessons I can apply to my technology accounts.

They audience was full of questions and the tour was a great way to kick off the evening. (Look for a more extensive recap in our June newsletter) What did you think?

Following are some pictures to show off the night:

Congrats to Boston Agencies

Congratulations are in order for a number of Boston Agencies. (And yes, I wrestled about writing this post).

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Sabre Awards (put on by Paul Holmes and the Holmes Report). Boston agencies seemed to do well last night.

Schwartz Communications (the firm for which I work) was named the 2006 Technology PR Agency of the year.

But Schwartz wasn't alone in getting honors. Shift Communications, Text 100 (I believe folks out of the Boston office) and Racepoint were there in force and honored for their work this past year. If I missed you, please let me know.

To me the most impressive thing about last night (aside from the speculation of just how dense the award is...I swear it is heavier than a Silver Anvil which is 5 times its size) was the quality of the work that was honored. Social Media was front and center as was international public relations. It is events like these that help re-energize PR pros and show them what it is possible to accomplish.

Congratulations again to all the winners.

Globe tour and tonight

Good morning,

1) Just a reminder the Third Thirsty Thursday is being held tonight at the Temple Bar in Cambridge. I hope to see you all there.

2) Following are some photos from the Boston Globe tour thanks to Kelly Woodsum at the Publicity Club of New England. Thanks, Kelly!

Don't forget to register for the Sam Adams event. We only have a few spots left.