IABC Fort Worth - Today's Communications Professionals

There's a lot more to February at IABC Fort Worth than just valentines and roses. We have several special events that can mean big benefits for members and for professional communicators who are interested in membership. There's even a special lunch treat for professional communicators who are not interested in membership.

First, our February luncheon should prove to be especially attractive to communicators who either have faced a crisis or who have the potential to be caught in one. Jamie Brown, head of Jamie Brown Public Relations, is one of the area's most polished independent practitioners - especially in crisis situations. As a PR leader in Tarrant County, including being chief PR counsel for John Peter Smith Hospital System, Jamie is a seasoned pro at handling a wide variety of crisis situations in the public and private arenas. Her presentation will be educational as well as fun.

Everyone is welcome to attend our luncheon on Tuesday, February 23, between 11:30 AM and 1 PM in our spacious, new rooms at City Club, 301 Commerce Street in downtown Fort Worth. Check iabcfortworth.com for more information on our luncheons, activities and chapter.

For would-be members, IABC International is offering a special incentive to become part of one of the country's premier communicators organizations. New and lapsed members can save $40 this month when they join or rejoin the Fort Worth Chapter because IABC is waiving the $40 application fee. For more information, contact Sara Reynolds, VP of Membership at: sreynolds@crescent.com.

February marks the start of preparations of IABC's annual Bronze Quill Awards. Bronze Quill is the only local competition specifically for public relations, public information and internal communications professionals in Fort Worth. Our June luncheon is dedicated to recognizing the best work by area communications pros. The entry deadline is April 20, so you are encouraged to start planning your entries now. And if you're looking for a way to get actively involved in the Chapter, consider joining the Bronze Quill Committee. Please contact me at Hart Marketing at 972-691-3209 or cheryl@hartmarketing.biz to explore ways you can share in the fun.

Some IABC members are starting boot camp this month. Members who are seeking IABC's coveted Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) professional accreditation start the Chapter's 2010 Accreditation Boot Camp on February 2. They will meet on the first Tuesday of each month between Noon and 1 PM to cover items such as preparing portfolios and studying for the oral and written exams. For details, contact Boot Camp Leader Lori De La Cruz, ABC, at Blue Marble Media, 817-233-4093 or lori@bluemarblemedia.net.

On behalf of the 65+ friendly members of IABC Fort Worth, Happy Valentines Day!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Hart
IABC Fort Worth President

Mark Your Calendar...

Learn How to Communicate in a Crisis with Jamie Brown, Owner of Jamie Brown Public Relations

Jamie Brown

Every organization has an equal opportunity to end up in a crisis situation. Whether it's a government investigation, the inappropriate or illegal actions of an employee, a natural disaster - the list of possibilities is infinite. An unexpected event can have damaging and long lasting effects on businesses.

Jamie Brown, a former news reporter turned communications consultant, will provide examples of how organizations have handled the media and their customers in critical situations. Participants will learn how to avoid the mistakes of others and will have an understanding of how to best communicate to employees, clients and the media in a crisis.

Jamie Brown has more than ten years experience as a communicator. Her work entails providing crisis communication planning, media relations, video production, and internal and external communications support for non-profit, health care organizations and private corporations. She has worked with local and national media.

Prior to her work in public relations, Brown had a career in television news in the Dallas market. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Midwestern State University.

Join us for the next IABC Fort Worth luncheon on Tuesday, February 23, at the City Club, 301 Commerce Street in downtown Fort Worth from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $25 for IABC members, $30 for nonmembers and $15 for students with early bird registration.

RSVP by noon on Friday, February 19. Pay for the luncheon online!

Check out the Job Center for a listing of jobs available for communicators.

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Interested in joining IABC? Join online or contact Sara Reynolds at sreynolds@crescent.com.

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