CPRS (Toronto) -- New Perspective

An active volunteer with industry associations, local colleges and countless not-for-profits, Sheila Corriveau has served as an executive board member, mentor, editor, awards judge, guest speaker and media relations consultant. The Canadian Public Relations Society named her PR Professional of the Year in 2005.

Media Relations Demands Custom Approaches

By Christine Smith

Quality of news coverage and the quality of your relationships with journalists are more important than the quantity.

So You Want to Win an ACE Award?

By Amanda Petriglia

Having a solid objective is key. Judges are looking at how the entrants arrive at their campaign objectives and how measurable they are.

Social Media 101 with CPRS Toronto

By Lizanor Barrera

“Millions of conversations relevant to you and your clients are taking place online every day and as stewards of our clients’ reputations, communicators need to know how to pay attention to these conversations, learn from them and, when appropriate, engage.”

Toronto Members Recognized at National Conference

At the Annual National Conference in Vancouver, several Toronto CPRS members were recognized for outstanding work among their peers.

Ben Chin - From Journalist to Corporate Communicator

With over 20 years in communications, Chin has watched how story telling has changed. “Social media is changing how we do business,” he asserted. “News media is changing. It’s the tools, however, that are changing, not the information.”

Get a Job Online

By Christie Adams

It’s becoming more and more likely your next career move will come courtesy of someone you know only through social media. Social media hasn’t just changed the way we do our jobs. It’s changed the way we build our careers.

Extreme Focus, Relevance and Bottom Line Contribution are Required in Current Economy

By Joanne Rider

Smart practitioners are front and centre in bringing clarity and relevance to the situation as public and private entities explain corporate positions, engage employees, reassure investors and build consumer confidence.

Galen Weston to Receive CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations

Mr. Galen G. Weston, executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited, is responsible for the strategic development and management of the company. Prior to this appointment in September 2006, Mr. Weston was senior vice president, Corporate Development with the corporation.

The Annual CPRS Toronto Survey Results Are In!

The survey showed that members remain satisfi ed with CPRS Toronto. Of those whose satisfaction had increased, the top three reasons included events/awards, the mentorship program and because they saw CPRS as a good source of information and help.

Thinking of Developing a Social Media News Release?

Eric Butler

One of the biggest challenges for the student turned PR practitioner is figuring out how to communicate with traditional and emerging media.

Canadian Retailers Practise Two-way Communication in Battle for Consumers

Vincent Power, APR

"Canadian consumers questioned why, if the Canadian dollar was at par, were identical items less expensive in the U.S.?"

The APR Advantage: My top 5 reasons for PR accreditation

Ian Ross, APR

The decision to tackle my APR (accreditation in public relations) last year wasn’t made lightly. I knew that it would mean trying to slot in endless hours of studying into my already busy lifestyle. I knew it would mean added stress and require pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. But I also knew it was something that I wanted to do.

Taking measure of PR’s expanding role in the marketing universe

Erin Guler

Award-winning communicator APEX President Pat McNamara, APR shares her views on everything from ethics, media relations, diversity and best practices. We learn the future is bright.

Public relations students ‘crawl’ toward their futures at 2nd Annual Passport to PR

Laura Ballantyne

Pub crawls are all the rage today, however public relations crawls are the forte of CPRS (Toronto) student members. This was evident at the recent 2nd Annual Passport to PR event presented by the CPRS (Toronto) Student Steering Committee. Forty-six PR students met with some of the country’s top PR professionals gaining VIP access to the inner workings of agency and corporate life.

The Changing Face of Public Relations

Tonisha Robinson

Much has been made about multiculturalism in Canada in recent years, and with more immigrants entering the country annually, it’s certainly a topic that deserves the attention of the PR practitioner. Manufacturers and marketers are taking note of the shift in their target markets and adjusting their products and services accordingly.

What goes around comes around (and that's a GOOD thing)

Lisa Davis

Fall is a busy time for me. The school term is in high gear; assignments are due, student award dinners and networking events are held across the city and soon it will be time to seek out those all-important co-op placements and internships.

The Case for Reputation Management

By Jeff Roach, APR

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT is no longer seen as a second-tier consideration in the organization’s strategic management process. It exists to help organizations maintain the societal permission they need to continue operating. This changing view underscores the rapidly emerging consensus within executive management that the organization’s reputation is valuable enough to be treated as a strategic asset and managed accordingly.

Ethical Blogging

By Parker Mason

Openness and transparency vital for PR practitioners

You Can't Spin Mother Nature

By James Hoggan, APR

The PR profession has a crushing public relations problem. We have a serious credibility issue on the number one issue of the day and that lack of credibility is undermining our ability to serve our clients and our employers.

Starting the New Year off with a BANG!

By Ian Ross

CPRS (Toronto) has kicked off 2007 on a very positive note. To start, I’m proud to announce that seven CPRS (Toronto) members successfully received their APR this year. Congratulations to Andrew Berthoff, APR, Robert Cooper, APR, Jeff Lake, APR, Albert Lee, APR, Krys Potapzcyk, APR, Vincent Power, APR and Brenda Sweeney, APR. The standards for accreditation are very high so each of these members should be applauded for their hard work and dedication to the review process.

Crisis Communications: Helping your organization communicate to key stakeholders in a time of crisis

By Pam White

Crisis communications can encompass major leadership change, merger and acquisition activity, issues management, or any significant announcement that can impact an organization. A real crisis is not anticipated and is out of an organization’s control.

The Technical Side of Social Media

By Lisa Vanderlip

You have been asked by either your boss or client to set up a social media campaign within 24 hours, using a blog. Yikes!

Create a Media-Friendly Media Section on Your Website

By Mark LaVigne, APR

Website media sections are an opportunity for an organization to provide the news media with an easy-to-use, multimedia platform to disseminate information about that organization and its news.

Building a Stronger Public Relations Community Using Web-based Tools

By Ian Ross

CPRS (Toronto) is dedicated to bringing public relations professionals and students together in the Toronto area so we can learn and grow. Our monthly professional development and networking events are focused on that very purpose — community building.

Come One, Come All to the CPRS (Toronto) ACE Awards Ball

By Carol Gravelle

A night to unmask PR professionals made, A night to network and see efforts displayed, Unlike any evening, this one shall not fade, Come all to the CPRS (Toronto) masquerade.

The Medium is the Message

By Mark Hunter LaVigne, APR

The modern news release, not ‘press’ release unless you intend to send it only to print news media, is constantly evolving as information technology continues to change. In particular, the advent of the Blackberry and similar technology has a great impact on where the news release is headed as a form of communication.

The Reality of Diversity for Canadian PR Practitioners

By James Savage

At the 2006 Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) National Conference in Niagara Falls, one of the most interesting keynote presentations was Dr. Larissa Grunig’s talk on “Valuing Diversity for all the Right Reasons.” The amazing husband-and-wife team of James and Larissa Grunig are justifi ably impressive. The Grunigs have done more to define and advance our profession than just about anyone.

President's Message: Building on Success

By Ian Ross, President, CPRS (Toronto)

The theme for the Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto) in 2006/07 is ‘building on success.’ It reflects our vision for both the society and all members.

Getting Air Time

By Sharon Navarro

It’s no secret. Television coverage for most public relations campaigns is important because of the medium’s significant reach. Unlike print and radio, television is really able to reach out and touch its audience, as most people respond to things they can see and hear. Coupled with effective and engaging copy, television images can dig even deeper into our emotional psyche. But increasingly, public relations practitioners have to think more strategically if they hope to get their product, service or CEO on the tube. Getting air time is not as easy as it once was.

On the Road to Accreditation

By Martin Waxman, APR

Let me start at the end of my journey. No, not the day I received an email informing me that (big sigh of relief) I earned my accredited public relations (APR) designation. I’m talking about the most recent national CPRS conference in Niagara Falls during awards night. I was anxious, excited and a bit on edge. When my name was called and I collected my APR pin and certificate, I felt a touch of pride. It was hard to believe nearly 18 months had passed.

What Clients Want from their Agencies

By Hugh D. MacPhie

When asked about what made him a delighted client, a Toronto marketing executive had this to say: “On the TV show MASH there was a character named ‘Radar’, the aide to a general. He was named Radar because he knew what the general wanted before the general even realized it. That’s how I’ve been delighted in the past.” Know your client’s business as well as they do. Anticipate their needs. Have a passion for their business. And be like Radar.

The APR Debate

By Anne-Marie Monroe

Last September, Ryerson University’s Research and Evaluation course brought together five strangers with a passion for public relations. Their mission was to complete a research report in 14 weeks. What came next was a research paper exploring why practitioners pursue accreditation.

PR industry launches new standard for measurement and ROI

By Mark Hunter LaVigne, APR

Evaluation of media coverage has always been a problem. Credibility was always at the mercy of the many different paradigms used to calculate reach and quality - - until now.

Message from Immediate Past President

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, Past President, CPRS (Toronto)

I am delighted and honoured that Mayor David Miller will join us at the Annual General Meeting. The organizations we represent and the people we serve as public relations practitioners, together create the City of Toronto. The opportunity to be addressed by Mayor Miller and connect at the Annual General Meeting can only further spark the vitality and realization of new opportunities we strive to create for our City.

Strategic Objectives Strikes Gold

Strategic Objectives, a Toronto-based PR agency, was recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto) at its annual ACE awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 25 for the public relations campaign of the year, best creative campaign of the year and a gold award for the best use of special events.

Above and beyond

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

Volunteering on the CPRS (Toronto) board is an inspiring experience. For practitioners of all levels, it is an opportunity to gain experience and exposure in many areas, ranging from tactical to strategic, and extending beyond communications to include finance, sponsorship and executive management.

ACE in Wonderland

By Stephanie Nairn, Co-Chair, ACE Awards Committee

The CPRS (Toronto) Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Committee is excited to transport you to ACE in Wonderland – a world where everyone is a bit mad and nothing is impossible. Follow the white rabbit to the Park Hyatt Hotel on April 25, 2006 where Toronto PR and marketing practitioners will be guests at the Queen of Hearts’ tea party.

Blogging at C-level

By Rashi Sharma

Last year in January, GM surprised everyone. GM’s financial woes were not hidden. Sales had been declining and public trust was quickly waning. It became evident that if GM was to survive it needed to listen to its customers, understand their concerns and answer their questions.

Beyond Borders

By Megan Rowney and Ann Lamanes

This summer, local PR practitioners won’t need to hold a passport to attend the year’s most anticipated industry event. The 2006 CPRS National Conference, taking place from June 11 to 13 in Niagara Falls, Canada, is appropriately themed ’Beyond Borders’ on two fronts: the event’s setting will be in one of the world’s most popular border cities, and there will be no boundaries to the ideas and discussions that will abound.

Stepping up to the plate

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

A year that began with an initiative to add the ‘wow’ factor to our annual membership survey, continues to bloom thanks to the generosity of five Toronto PR agencies.

Through the rabbit hole, you’ll find ACE in Wonderland!

By Stephanie Nairn, Marketing co-Chair, ACE Awards Committee

Join fellow PR mad-hatters for cocktails and dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto as the Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Committee presents ACE in Wonderland. The CPRS (Toronto) annual event will take place April 26, 2006 to honour industry leaders for outstanding achievements in the field of public relations.

Staying on top of the buzz

By Rashi Sharma

John Winter Smith is a man on a mission

The rebirth of high tea: Mastering the Zen of business etiquette

By Johnica B. Aherrera

On November 30, the CPRS (Toronto) Student Steering Committee invited PR students and junior PR practitioners to gather in one of the stately dining rooms of the University of Toronto Faculty Club. Never out of style, attendees learned that proper etiquette does not have to pertain solely to the dinner table. It can also be used in business settings to effectively “Get Your Foot in the Door.”

Already, this year is off to a great start!

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

The critical first step – surveying members’ needs – resulted in twice the number of responses as last year. This has given the CPRS (Toronto) Board of Directors a clear sense of what should be stopped, started and continued to meet members’ needs.

PR waking up to Blogsphere

By Rashi Sharma

Before the University of Michigan reported that Dell’s customer satisfaction had plummeted in its American Customer Satisfaction Index, word had already gotten out thanks to Jeff Jarvis.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

By David Goldberg

Media coverage. Two words with a tonne of weight. Our clients want a lot of it, and won't take no for an answer. When we score a hit, it might not be the "home run" clients dream of. In some offices, when we get a hit, a bell rings, proclaiming it to everyone. While practitioners may be thrilled with the coverage, clients might complain, "it's too small, or it's not in the right place." If we're overly aggressive, we can get blacklisted. And with shrinking newsrooms and resources, it's getting even tougher to reach the end game — media coverage.

A PR Response to Hurricane Katrina

By Carol Gravelle

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have heard about the responses of law enforcement and fire safety and search-and-rescue professionals. But what about PR practitioners helping those in need of shelter, food, water and medical assistance?

Putting Last Year in Perspective

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on May 26th, was a great opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements and to recognize the volunteers who contributed to the year’s success.

Prestigious Award goes to CPRS (Toronto) Member

The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Toronto member James E. Toccacelli, APR, has been awarded the 2005 Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award by the national society, in recognition of his superior and outstanding service as a PR professional.

Don’t be a “Time Bandit”

By Mark LaVigne, APR

Scott White, a 26-year veteran of the Canadian Press (CP) advises the public relations community to not be a “time bandit” when it comes to interfacing with his extremely busy journalists.

How the Pros Break into Public Relations

By David Goldberg

You’ve sweated through countless assignments to attain your public relations diploma. And now comes your moment to shine. But countless others are also angling for their fi rst break. With your career on the line, the margin of error is slim.

Faster. Faster. And inevitably, even faster

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

The global phenomenon of the increasing speed at which people work has repercussions for our personal, and professional lives. I believe this is particu-larly true in the field of public relations, primarily due to developments in technology and increased economic competition.

Canada’s oldest company sporting new identity and sponsor role

By Carol Gravelle

How does an organization remain relevant and competitive more than three hundred years later? For Hbc it has a lot to do with identity but winning the bid to be the official clothing sponsor for Canadian Olympic teams from 2005 to 2012 doesn’t hurt either.

Why Study PR?

By Eleanor Baird

Back in 2003, when I took my first public relations course at Ryerson, I knew that I was interested in the field, but was not sure I would complete the program. After all, I had already worked in communications for the government, where I had been selected from a large pool of hopefuls. I had a four-year bachelor’s degree in political science, some related experience and strong performance in tests and the interview.

Bright lights to shine at ACE Awards Night of Stars

By Mary Nguyen

A classy red-carpet event in a dazzling location featuring the best and the brightest in the business… you would be forgiven for thinking you were at the Academy Awards show – and with a Night of the Stars theme, you wouldn’t be far off the mark.

Judicial and Ethics Committees Work to Increase Awareness of Ethics Issues

By Rod Stanley, APR, National Vice President, CPRS

As National Board Liaison to the Judicial and Ethics Committee, I am encouraged to see great teamwork in the area of professional ethics by highly experienced practitioners across the country. Professional ethics is not just something that we study as we work toward achieving our APR designation, but must be embedded in everything we do.

APR and Public Sector Communications

By Vicky Cheng

Proficiency, integrity and skills — every PR practitioner should possess these prerequisites. The challenge lies in the ability to benchmark such a claim. An APR designation provides proof that indicates a PR practitioner has a track record of knowledge with a high mark of quality. It is this assurance that the public sector would most value for their communications services.

Making the Call

By Mark LaVigne, APR

When I was a journalist, the inundation of information was mindboggling. There was a constant incoming mountain of information. News releases arriving by fax, media kits arriving by courier, news wire stories provided by Broadcast News and their commercial counterparts, all followed by hundreds of phone calls made by well-intentioned people wanting to know if I had received their information and were interested in their story.

Time to Lace Up!

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President, CPRS (Toronto)

For the past few decades, public relations practitioners have voiced a need for a place at the “decision-making table.” The time has come for us to stop this battle cry.

How to Build a Media List

By Mark LaVigne, APR

The first part of building a media list is strategic – determine whom you are targeting with your message. Often your desired target audiences are diverse so this should be clearly defined before beginning to build your media list.

Accreditation: The Next Step in Your PR Career?

By Jill Rutherford

Felicia Shiu, APR, knows public relations. As Vice President, Health Care, Consumer and Lifestyle, for Maverick Public Relations, Shiu, a 13-year veteran, brings a wealth of communications expertise to work for her clients.

Surviving Resumes 101

By Carol Gravelle

Resumes 101. Unemployed and in search of a new position in the field of public relations, for two months this past summer, I lived and breathed the reality of creating a perfect resume.

Making Communications Count

By Christina A. Marshall, APR, President CPRS (Toronto)

If there is one thing many members of CPRS (Toronto) seem to share, it is this: A strong desire for more professional development sessions.

It's the Law

By Mark LaVigne, APR

After working more than 14 years as a media relations consultant and five years as a journalist, I’ve come to the conclusion there are six basic laws that govern successful media relations.

New Technology and Techniques Give Rise to 'Compact Agencies'

By John Morris

Back when the brontosaurus roamed, only large companies – General Motors, Kraft and the Pentagon – had public relations (PR) agencies. Similarly, huge entities like Hill and Knowlton arose to serve their need and made science out of what had previously been BS, or at least re-positioned the smoke and buffed the mirrors to account for their staffs and facilities.

The Calling: A Lighthearted Look at the First Six Months of an Agency Startup

By Martin Waxman

In the beginning, there was the concept – take all the skills I had learned after years at a large agency and start my own shop. Then came discussions – with colleagues, competitors, headhunters and friends – to gauge their reaction and (hopefully) get their unabashed support. Is there room for another player? Will this work in the marketplace? Can I leave the security of my present job? Read on to find out.

New Legal Landscape Affecting PR

By Mark LaVigne, APR

Now, more than ever, a good relationship with in-house or outside legal counsel is imperative for every PR practitioner.

Don’t Feed the Bears Fruit Loops When You Know They Love Meat

By Rob Carrick

The PR people I have no time for are the ones who try to peddle second-rate goods. Want a simple test to see if a journalist might act on a story you’d like done?

Canadian News: Somewhere in the Middle With You

By Mark LaVigne, APR

It is imperative for those who work at an international public relations capacity to ensure that PR in Canada is conducted by “on-the-ground PR resources, either on staff or through an agency. It is deadly to try to execute PR with the Canadian media from the U.S.

Resistance is Futile: Global Alliance Emerging in PR

By Jean Valin, APR Fellow CPRS

The Global Alliance’s other key projects include: an expanded Web site and preparation of a Web resource on the practice of public relations around the world; the analysis of regulations that govern the profession around the world and the development of an educated position on the subject; and assistance to the development of XPRL

A Great Speech is Not About the Speech

By Joel Levesque, APR

Like any project, a speech assignment should have a clearly defined strategy. What do you hope to accomplish for the speech giver and his organization by putting him in front of an audience?

Partners for responsibility: Ground-breaking Labatt moderation programs

By Nigel Miller

In the last year, our responsible use programs have engaged two key new partners – a television network and bars and restaurants who serve our beers. We’ve been back on television, in partnership with City-TV and Much Music, with a concept that followed in the tradition of the award-winning commercials...

How Sweet It Is: The pleasures and pitfalls of freelancing

By Taysha Palmer

As a card-carrying consultant, you won't have a boss to worry about, that is true. But you could, in fact, have up to six bosses at once. You'll no longer be forced to endure moody or gossiping office mates, but you might be shocked to discover just how uninspiring one's own company can be by comparison.

When Hacks Become Flacks: Who’s Side Are They On Anyhow?

By Shane Schick

Perhaps some agencies pick former reporters because they believe they possess raw skills that can be adapted to a certain mold. While that's true, agencies run the risk of missing something more important that they bring to the table: a real understanding of how the newsroom operates and how editorial decisions get made.

Helpful Tips for Junior Practitioners, from Marlane Oliver, Morning News Anchor from 680 News

By Vicky Cheng
Corporate Communications student
Centennial College

What should young PR practitioners keep in mind when contacting the media?

How to Win an ACE Award : Insider Top Ten Tips from Pat McNamara - Top Award Winner

By Leslie Hetherington

At a CPRS (Toronto) professional development seminar on February 27, Pat McNamara, award-winning president and founder of APEX shared her tips and insights on how to enter the CPRS (Toronto) ACE awards – and win!

Juniors: Volunteer and Network Your Way into PR

By Vicky Cheng
Corporate Communications student
Centennial College

An undergraduate degree, PR education, an upbeat outlook and motivation are essential characteristics for a communicator. But when employers look for juniors, they look for more in the individual.

How to be a Top-notch Media Relations Practitioner

By Manny Da Silva

The following article by Manny Da Silva was based on research he did for a media relations course at Ryerson. The assignment was to get to know media relations practitioners and reporters throughout the three months of the course and write a brief paper summarizing the findings.

2001 Survey of Canadian Media and the Internet

Prepared by BenchMark Porter Novelli

In the fall of 2001, BenchMark Porter Novelli (BMPN) conducted a national survey of Canadian media and the Internet.

Convergence: Melding Voices, Resources and Mediums: The Impact of Media Mergers and Convergence on News and PR

By Leslie Hetherington

With the advent of media mergers and the movement toward convergence, journalists now have a similar opportunity to hone their skills on all sides. Subsequently, reporters who can adeptly file a newspaper article, deliver an on-air newscast and convey a news story online – are finding themselves in high demand.

Media Relations: The Canadian Press – A One-Stop Resource for PR Practitioners

By Leslie Hetherington

Get Greatest Reach in Canada, Think Like a Journalist, Write Like a Journalist, Increase Website Traffic, Put Your Message in Pictures, Plan and Monitor Strategies, Generating CP Coverage.

PR and Internet Trends: Canadian Dotcoms...Forever in the Shadows: Why Our Wannabees Will Never BE

By Robert Goldand Andrew Brown

Why aren’t Canadian businesses, online and offline nearly as successful or competitive as they’re supposed to be? Three prevailing themes provide revealing answers. They also point to how we can turn ourselves around, if we make the necessary investment in how we conduct our businesses.

PR & Internet Trends - Don't just sit there looking flashy... go get 'em.

By Chris Carder, CEO, ThinData

The PR case for permission-based email broadcasting.

Media Relations: Seven axioms for effective media interviews

There is no doubt that the literal meaning of the words you use in a media interview will have an effect on the reporter and other publics you are trying to reach. But the meanings conveyed by your nonverbal communication are just as critical.
By Ed Shiller

CPRS (Toronto) to host 2002 National Conference

The Toronto chapter will host The Next Conference – the 2002 CPRS National Conference – at the Marriott-Eaton Centre Hotel on Sunday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 19, 2002.

Canada NewsWire brings eWatchTM to Canada

Competition in the Canadian media monitoring business got a bit tougher in September with the introduction of eWatchTM, an international service that collects and reports online mention of specified companies and industries.

CPRS – National launches Member Area on web site

The Canadian Public Relations Society - National has announced that the Member Area of the CPRS web site is now accessible at http://www.cprs.ca/english/memberarea/e_memberarea.htm

Media Relations: Case Study - Introducing a new sport to Canada

By Mark LaVigne, APR

The Media Relations article, "PR as news gatherer"in the May-June-July issue of New Perspective described techniques and tactics that could enhance the likelihood of broadcast and print media coverage in tough news markets, such as the GTA. The following case study demonstrates how those recommendations can be put to good use.
By Mark Lavigne, APR

PR & Internet Trends: Business Success or Failure - This time it’s Personal: A Primer for Your Chief Privacy Officer (CPO)

For over ten years, studies have consistently identified privacy as consumers’ most important issue. Furthermore, the reluctance to invest in protecting such private information has been named as the key reason why consumers aren’t buying as much, or as frequently, as most retailers had expected.

Media Relations: When to hold a news conference

By Ed Shiller

News conferences may be popular (they are often the first and favourite media initiative that executives think of to attract widespread and favourable media coverage), but they are also very risky.

Media Relations: Case study - Canadian Wheat Board takes its message to editorial boards

By Brian Stacey

Acting Director, Corporate Communications
Canadian Wheat Board

Public Relations: Choose your consultant wisely . . . or else!

By Jan Grude

Following are excerpts from a speech by Jan Grude, National Chair of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants and National Practice Director of Watson Wyatt Canada, to the May 24 luncheon meeting of the Empire Club of Canada.

Media Relations: PR as a News Gatherer

By Mark LaVigne, APR

We all know it’s getting harder, in Toronto at least, to get news media to come out to a media event, especially one that is proactive in nature, and maybe a little shy of the hard news/soft news demarcation line.

PR & Internet Trends: SEGMENTING STRATEGICALLY - Building Customer Piece of Mind

The need for strategic segmentation and suggest a framework to help all public relations, public affairs, marketing and communications professionals segment smartly to increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining desired customers.
By Robert Gold and Andrew Brown

PR & Internet Trends - When hard economic times meet the Web... will you be ready?

By Chris Carder, CEO, ThinData Inc.

How would your Web site hold up in a recession if current economic speculation becomes reality?

Electronic Media Relations

By Mark Hunter LaVigne, APR

CDROM News Kit Hits Primetime

David Milliken honoured

David Milliken, Senior Vice President and a Director of Canada NewsWire (CNW), was one of 75 Ontario Community College graduates nominated for the prestigious Premier’s Awards.

The Idea Book: Annual Report/IR Website completed by Toronto-based investor relations firm Blunn & Company Inc.

The Idea Book: Annual Report/IR Website along with guidelines, benchmarks and best practices in annual reports and investor relations Web sites. Included are some dos and don’ts from the book.

2000-2001 CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence

CPRS honours CEO Award of Excellence winner Dominic D’Alessandro

PR & Internet Trends - Setting Sites Toward the Future, NOW: How E-Tailers Can Get More Customers to $pend Online

We take a look at the two issues that determine a web site’s success at convincing customers to buy online.
By Robert Gold and Andrew Brown

PR & Internet Trends - Direct Connection: Building Online Media Centres

More and more organizations are developing tailored online media centres - providing special areas of their Web sites geared exclusively to the press.
By Chris Carder, ThinData Inc.

PR & Internet Trends - About Face: The Changing Face of the Internet

Highlights some of the most drastic Internet-related demographic changes and explore how they will likely change what and how you conduct your e-business.
By Robert Gold, MBA, CA, Managing Partner, Bennett Gold, Chartered Accountants

PR & Internet Trends - Is marketing on the web for kids?

Before establishing your e-commerce business capability, chances are you've spent considerable time, effort and expense in making sure that your web site fits with your overall strategic and marketing goals.
By Robert Y. Gold, Managing Partner, Bennett Gold Chartered Accountants

PR & Internet Trends - Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Power of Audio Testimonials Online

Powerful quotes from clients and stakeholders have always been a crucial part of successful public relations campaigns.
By Chris Carder, ThinData Inc.

Media Relations - Newspaper Know-How

Shannon Clark, CBC English Communications

"We're in the business of selling trust," says Jeff Ansell, a media, crisis and speech counselor

Knowledge Management

Kathey Baggett, Manager, Executive Correspondence, Bank of Montreal

Ted Graham would like to 'mind meld' with you

Web Watch

Ellen Agger, both webmaster and public relations specialist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and Christine Smith, Professor, Corporate Communication, Centennial College

PR-motivated links to bookmark

Podium Power

By Don Davies

There's a new role for the professional speechwriter/coach in today's corporate environment

Fun at Work is Serious Business

Patrick Rose with files from Bernadette Seward

Corporate entertainment can drive productivity, build relationships and incite innovation among employees.

How to become a good leader

A new series on leadership ... CPRS members share their insights with their peers.

What's New?

Bernadette Seward

Super coffee breaks foster communications