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EXPERT ALERTS

• Politics and the Workplace
• Simple Steps Can Help Industries Conserve Water
• Eleven Years After 9/11, Airports Are Still Wide Open to Terrorists
• Government's Involvement in the Mortgage Industry and How It Affects Qualified Borrowers
• Branding: It's More Than Just a Clever Name -- Much, Much More
• CRMs Integrated With Marketing Automation Tools in an ERP CMS Yield Best Marketing Results

MEDIA JOBS

• Producer - Chicago
• Newsroom Content Coordinator/Editor
• Washington Bureau Correspondent

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Upcoming #ConnectChat: Tips for Using Photos in PR/Marketing Campaigns
• Grammar Hammer: It's vs. Its
• Interesting Expert of the Week, Nature Edition

****************

EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Politics and the Workplace
Robin E. Shea
Attorney
Constangy, Brooks & Smith LLP
Commentators agree that this year's presidential campaign is more divisive than any other in modern history. In the two months between the conventions and the election, employers need to know how to avoid being caught in the middle and how to keep the workplace civil. Is it a good idea for a public-minded employer to solicit political donations from employees, encourage employees to volunteer for the campaigns of certain candidates or even to "encourage" employees to vote the "right" way? Can a heated political debate in the workplace lead to hostile work-environment harassment claims? Do First Amendment rights apply in private-sector workplaces? Are there any "best practices" for employers to follow in this contentious election season? Shea can discuss these issues and more.
"There is an old saying that you shouldn't discuss politics or religion with people you don't know very well. That goes quadruple for this election, where opinions and emotions are so strong on both sides. Unless the employer is a political party or a candidate's organization, employers should not be putting any pressure on their employees to work on campaigns, make donations or vote a certain way. And employees should be respectful of their co-workers' rights to their opinions. Although the First Amendment applies only to 'state action,' it's very easy for a comment about a political issue, or political 'humor,' to be interpreted as evidence of race, sex or religious discrimination."
Constangy, Brooks & Smith LLP is a national employment and labor law firm. Shea has more than 20 years of experience in labor and employment law, and is the editor of the blog Employment & Labor Insider.
News Contact: Wendy Angel, wangel@constangy.com

Simple Steps Can Help Industries Conserve Water
Daniel L. Theobald
CEO
Environmental Services by Daniel Theobald
“It’s widely known that the world is in a water crisis that is now being exacerbated by the warming trends we all read about. What’s less known is the enormous amount of water wasted by industrial plants simply because they have failed to keep up with the solutions available to them. For example, water used in cooling systems can be recirculated rather than discharged, chemicals can be removed from water turning it from waste to fresh water again, and hoses can be adjusted to pour less water while still achieving their purposes. In the industrial world, we are talking about hundreds of thousands of gallons of water often wasted daily in just one plant alone. In many instances, the public is ahead of industry in water conservation. Conserving water can also be a step toward significant savings for corporations."
Theobald is based in Greenville, S.C. He can discuss steps businesses can take to conserve water. Theobald is available for media interviews.
News Contact: Richard Berman, gobermanpr@gmail.com or +1-914-572-2707

Eleven Years After 9/11, Airports Are Still Wide Open to Terrorists
Alan Kirschenbaum
Professor of Organizational Sociology and Disaster Management
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
"Although security has made it extremely difficult to hijack planes, it has still left the airports wide open to terrorists. Moreover, airport security technology has reached its reasonable limits and emphasis should be understanding human decision making."
Kirshenbaum can also be interviewed on how airport security is stifling the growth of the industry by putting off passengers, the bread-and-butter of profits. At the same time, airport managers are restricted from turning airports into service providers, instead of the mass production units they were designed to be 50 years ago. Kirschenbaum is a world-renowned expert in the field of disaster management. He is a popular lecturer, author and advisor to governments, public institutions and security-related companies. Kirschenbaum is the initiator and coordinator of the EU-funded BEMOSA (Behaviour Modelling for Security in Airports) consortium, a Europe-wide research project aimed at improving security in airports.
Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/alankirschenbaum
Website: bemosa.blogspot.co.il
Expert Contact: avik@tx.technion.ac.il

Government's Involvement in the Mortgage Industry and How It Affects Qualified Borrowers
Steve Calk
Chairman and CEO
The Federal Savings Bank
"By far, the most important institutions responsible for providing home loans to first time homebuyers, veterans and working-class Americans in this country are community banks. However, government guidelines are having staggering effects on access to capital for the current or would-be American homeowner. The worst of the new government guidelines are proposed changes in capital requirements and risk weighting for community banks -- specifically, BASEL III. BASEL III is designed to level the playing field among major banking institutions that operate internationally. Force-feeding these same rules to community banks in the United States is unnecessary and in fact counterproductive, particularly in the current economic environment. Not only will popular mortgage products originated by most banks attract significantly higher capital charges, the risk-based capital penalties for providing early payment default protection may force these banks away from the correspondent lending market. This will translate to less mortgage credit for Americans, particularly those in communities served by community banks."
News Contact: Kellie Kennedy, kelliek@theharbingergroup.com or +1-312-933-4903

Branding: It's More Than Just a Clever Name -- Much, Much More
Carolyn Akel
Principal
Akel Ventures Inc.
"The words 'brand' and 'name' may be synonymous, but don't ever let that fool you into thinking that a catchy name will drive the launch of your product. Just a few of the considerations you will face when introducing and positioning your product or service include: What are the trends in my industry? Who are my customers and how do I reach them? Is my pricing model correct? How will I test such items as color, packaging, Web presence and messaging? Do I understand the financials and analytics? What are the channels of distribution? Since mine is a new product, how will I educate my target market? Do my strategies match my anticipated revenues? Finally, based on my experience and skills, am I the right person to be running this company?"
Carolyn Akel is available for media interviews. She is based in Saint Augustine, Fla.
News Contact: Richard Berman, rberman226@gmail.com or +1-914-572-2707

CRMs Integrated With Marketing Automation Tools in an ERP CMS Yield Best Marketing Results
Hassan Bawab
CEO
Magic Logix, a global digital marketing agency
"The leading edge trend right now in large and mid-sized company website development and digital marketing solutions is integrating marketing automation tools such as Demandbase, Marketo and Eloqua into content management systems (CMS) such as Drupal and Magento, with customer relationship management (CRM) software such as Salesforce, to bring out best real-time marketing and sales outcomes. The marketing automation tools provide valuable information, such as the company at which a website (CMS) visitor is currently working, to empower the sales representative's content in the CRM, for the best sales and marketing outcomes. It will be interesting to see what the rate of adoption of this sophisticated, complicated, yet highly results-oriented approach will be as the word gets out about its effectiveness, as increases in sales could spark a phenomenon of positive impact the economy."
News Contact: Jeannie Lewis, Jlewis@magiclogix.com

 

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MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Producer - Chicago
• Newsroom Content Coordinator/Editor - Teaneck, N.J.
• Washington Bureau Correspondent - Washington, D.C.

See more listings here.

 

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OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• UPCOMING #CONNECTCHAT: TIPS FOR USING PHOTOS IN PR/MARKETING CAMPAIGNS: ProfNet Director Maria Perez will interview PR Newswire's manager of photo products, Jill Ulicney, on Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 3-4:30 p.m. EDT: goo.gl/2F1MN

 

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: IT'S VS. ITS -- IT'S SIMPLE! ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne explains when to use "it's" vs. "its": goo.gl/VVqAw

 

• INTERESTING EXPERT OF THE WEEK, NATURE EDITION: ProfNet Director Maria Perez interviews Fred Kaufman, executive producer of PBS's most-viewed documentary series "Nature": goo.gl/FMt8k

Via this column, we'll explore one grammar rule each week. If you have a grammar question you'd like me to address, please drop me a line at grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com and I'll do my best to answer it.

 

It's September! And for many, that means the dreaded or eagerly anticipated first day of school. DUN DUN DUN! While Mom and Dad shed tears of joy, kids shed tears of sorrow as they shuffle onto the school bus all did up in new shoes and a fresh outfit. School has its pluses and its minuses.

Whether you're the one going back to school, or maybe just the one pushing kids out the door, make sure you and yours are fully prepared to show off some superior grammar skills by understanding this week's simple but commonly confused lesson:  

Main Rule: It's means "it is" or "it has." Its indicates possession.

If you're not sure, try replacing its or it's with "it is" or "it has." If it sounds OK, use an apostrophe. Examples:

• The school has its recess at noon -- can't wait!
• The school has it is recess at noon (wrong, no apostrophe)
• It's the first day of school.
• It is the first day of school. (right, use apostrophe)

 

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

image via Flickr user kevin dooley

Every other week on Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. EDT, ProfNet editors interview one professional to jumpstart dialogue about an industry topic. You can follow the conversation by checking out the #ConnectChat hashtag on Twitter. If you're interested in being a featured guest, email me at grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com

 

In this week's #ConnectChat on Tuesday, Aug. 28, we featured PR and social media expert Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans) who discussed "Open Social Collaboration for PR Pros." The chat featured information on this innovative Web-based browser platform that helps professionals and non-professionals set goals, streamline tasks, share information and connect with others -- with specific tips for PR and media professionals.

Sarah is the chief evangelist at Tracky, an open social collaboration platform, and founder and owner of Sevens Strategy, a new media consultancy. She's a self-described "social media freak" who initiated and moderates #journchattrack@, a weekly discussion between PR professionals, journalists and bloggers.

 

@ProfNet: Welcome to #ConnectChat! This is Grace Lavigne, taking over @ProfNet for our chat today with Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans).

ProfNet: Please feel free to jump in with questions and comments. And remember to include the #ConnectChat hashtag so we can all see your input.

ProfNet: Today, Sarah will discuss how open social collaboration helps PR pros set goals, accomplish tasks and connect with others.

 

@CKomisarjevsky: Good afternoon. Can you start by defining "open social collaboration" for all of us?

Evans: Open social collaboration is a new way of working with others. It gives you the ability to both work privately and publicly. Collaboration allows us all to get more done without actually working more, just working better with others.

Evans: We need to continue the insanity that is email. It's a bottleneck. Tools and platforms exist so we can communicate better.

 

@CKomisarjevsky: Thank you, Sarah. Can you give us some examples to make it practical?

Evans: Great example of open social collaboration in action. #VegasTech is planning a DJ battle: tracky.com/group/djbattle

Evans: Because it's "open," it's now searchable and anyone can join in or see our progress.

Evans: We share the track on a big screen during IRL planning sessions: bit.ly/QtDkVT

 

@CKomisarjevsky: Sounds like a global jam session -- not for music but for ideas. How does one know when there is one going on so they can join?

Evans: I love that. Anyone can have an open group, so it's up to them to promote.

Evans: We also collaborate privately and have the option to make things public (via social) when the time is right.

 

ProfNet: What are the advantages of open social collaboration for PR pros specifically?

Evans: 1) Save time managing resources. 2) Increase efficiency to garner media attention. 3) Decrease the number of emails and overcommunication.

Evans: If you're always checking email, social networks, etc. -- you're not productive. If you're not productive, you can't do your best work.

Evans: Use open social collaboration for: managing clients, producing events, public speaking opportunities, working with media, etc.

Evans: Here's an example of how @lisabuyer did this at #SES: bit.ly/PojXIc

 

@CKomisarjevsky: I presume this is a download or an app. How do you access it?

Evans: It's all browser based (along with mobile-browser functionality and iOS app).

 

ProfNet: How does open social collaboration increase productivity and efficiency?

Evans: It takes the "email" (read: reduce human error) out of the equation. You still use email, but for what it was meant to do.

Evans: Example: If you're working on a document that will be heavily edited, collaboration platforms should let you do real-time edits. You can reduce the "hey, what version is this?" syndrome or "I can't find that email" and just work.

Evans: Since implementing open social collaboration in my life, I've seen a decrease in team email and produce better work.

Evans: Here's an example of how @lisabuyer did this at #SES: bit.ly/PojXIc

@lisabuyer: Love and live by example! :) RT @prsarahevans: Here's an example of how @lisabuyer did this at #SES: bit.ly/PojXIc

 

ProfNet: Does open social collaboration save money?

Evans: It can, but it depends on: 1) what platform you use, 2) how you use it, 3) whether you're ready to start new habits.

Evans: Time is a valuable commodity. That's the place I see it influencing the most.

@CKomisarjevsky: Sounds like an interesting way for teams separated by geography and time zones to brainstorm. Set a time and join in.

 

ProfNet: How does open social collaboration build community?

Evans: That's a good one. It's not "community" in the "I do it on Twitter" sense, but through more meaningful interactions.

Evans: The best way to become an expert is to get results. When you're using social collaboration, you can see what everyone is working on and who is a "doer."

@CKomisarjevsky: You should suggest this to the Romneys so that all seven of them -- the whole family -- can collaborate on his speech at the same time.

@darrenhgraves: #socialstalker RT @prsarahevans: When you're using social collaboration you can see what everyone is working on and who is a "doer."

 

@PragatiVerma: Can you give any examples/case studies of those who saved money?

Evans: Here's a healthcare example: goo.gl/MOuVM

Evans: And another from Microsoft: goo.gl/48jlI

@PragatiVerma: Thanks. It's much easier to relate with an example.

 

ProfNet: Can journalists use open social collaboration platforms too?

Evans: Journalists are perfect candidates for open social collaboration (bloggers, too).

Evans: Using the right platform may allow newsrooms to streamline the editorial process and work better virtually. If you can both collaborate behind the scenes and use the same platform to push content to web and social sites, it's a win.

 

ProfNet: What sort of projects would a PR pro use open social collaboration platforms for?

Evans: Honestly, PR pros can implement a culture of social collaboration on *any* project.

@IanBragg: #Truth. RT @prsarahevans: Honestly, PR pros can implement a culture of social collaboration on *any* project.

@kimija: Agreed. RT @prsarahevans: Honestly, PR pros can implement a culture of social collaboration on *any* project.

Evans: Let's look at the press release. The process may include multiple people to write/edit/review, approval process, client review. If you use a social collaboration platform, you can do all of the edits, pre-work etc., and bring the client in when ready. If a client is comfortable using open social collaboration, a platform should allow u to communicate via email.

@Derek_Schroeder: Worth the time RT @prsarahevans: The process may include multiple people to write/edit/review, approval process, client review.

 

ProfNet: What are the advantages of private vs. public sharing? How would those features be used?

Evans: Transparency is the new marketing.

@mattkoyak: Well said! RT @prsarahevans: Transparency is the new marketing.

@RetroBakery: Pure truth. RT @prsarahevans: Transparency is the new marketing.

@jennifergosse: Yes, ma'am! RT @prsarahevans: Transparency is the new marketing.

Evans: What better way to "be" transparent than by putting your work out there (when appropriate)?

Evans: If you can collaborate privately and publicly, as needed, from within the same platform you can do more, better.

 

ProfNet: How does an open social collaboration platform enhance networking abilities?

Evans: Business cards are hit or miss, unfortunately. If you're at an event and give/receive business cards, you can: 1) lose them, 2) forget them, 3) put your gum in them.

Evans: Instead of emailing them for the sake of emailing, you could have a pre-set collaboration project and begin working.

 

@CKomisarjevsky: How about speechwriting with collaborators to get thoughtful input? Any examples?

Evans: Our team uses social collaboration for every single blog post, media interview, speech and presentation we do.

Evans: Here are some tips on how to use social collaboration for public speaking opportunities: bit.ly/NUDi9A

@PragatiVerma: It should work for non-writing projects too like organizing a press conference.

Evans: @PragatiVerma Yes. And you can preload press-kit materials, social assets, etc. -- even answer questions real-time.

 

@Derek_Schroeder: Are business cards necessary for in-person networking events?

Evans: I could be in the minority, but I'd rather get your email and mobile during a convo and text/email right then.

 

ProfNet: Are there any drawbacks of open social collaboration?

Evans: The learning curve and habit change are the two biggest drawbacks. No matter what platform you use, it's new/different.

Evans: Social collaboration platforms aren't "plug and play." You'll likely need to invest time to learn how to use it.

Evans: Get out of "this is how it's always been done."

 

ProfNet: Where can a PR pro go for more information about open social collaboration platforms?

Evans: I am absolutely biased on this question. I work with @Tracky and 100 percent recommend them. We have an amazing team available to answer any/all questions and just about any scenario. Email: sarah@tracky.com

Evans: Here's a video that might help. :) bit.ly/U8R5IA

@CKomisarjevsky: Thanks for an interesting chat about an important new way of collaborating!

 

ProfNet: What new features or changes do you expect for open social collaboration platforms in the future?

Evans: I'd like to believe they'll become more intuitive for the user, more widely adopted and "power" more of our content.

 

ProfNet: How does the continuing emergence of mobile devices affect open social collaboration?

Evans: Think mobile first. If people can't do what they need to via mobile, they'll find workarounds. Social collaboration should be integrated.

 

ProfNet: Thanks for the great advice Sarah! What are you currently working on?

Evans: I'm having a lot of fun with passion project over at @sarahsfaves and, of course, evangelizing for @tracky and loving #Vegastech!

 

ProfNet: What makes @tracky different from the competition (e.g., Google, Twitter or Basecamp)?

Evans: A few differentiators: it was built as open social collaboration, not trying to take an old product and fit "definition."

 

ProfNet: Does anyone have any final questions or comments?

@DavickaTC2: Great insight for PR pros on open social collaboration. I learned a lot about utilizing various platforms.

@kimija: Thank you! @prsarahevans I RT'd you so much during #ConnectChat today because you brought out really great points. Thanks for sharing.

ProfNet: Thanks everyone! That's a wrap! Thanks to all for the great participation in #ConnectChat today. Hope everyone found it informative!

 

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request. 

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

 

EXPERT ALERTS

• Activists Want to Be Included in the Conversation
• Adults Heading Back to School
• Communication Is Key for Divorced Parents
• EPA Turned Back Over Clean Air Act Scope
• Firms Can’t Ignore Chick-fil-A Lessons
• Immigrants Share American Values
• 'Life Settlement' Policy Debate Renewed
• Mitt Romney’s Energy Plan/Vision for 2020
• Ten Commandments Case Results Vary
• When Is a Boat Not Really a Boat?

MEDIA JOBS

• St. Paul Bureau Team Leader - Minneapolis
• Assignment Editor - Phoenix
• Editorial Assistant/Community Reporter - Fort Collins, Colo.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Live From the Republican National Convention: It's PR Newswire
• Weekly Roundup: Journalism Careers, Empire State Building Shooting, BuzzFeed
• Grammar Hammer: Don't Go Toward/Towards the Light!

 

******************

EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Activists Want to Be Included in the Conversation
Sarah Sobieraj
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Tufts University
"There is often misrecognition about what political conventions and debates are trying to accomplish. Almost none of them are out there attempting to influence who wins the election. On the contrary, most activists out there don’t feel their interests are represented by either of the dominant parties or their candidates. So, rather than being pro-Obama or pro-Romney, most of these activists are feeling a profound sense of alienation from the political process. Mass protests around conventions are not dramatic forms of electioneering, but rather passionate efforts to be included in the conversation."
Sobieraj is an expert on protest around the U.S. presidential campaigns and can offer relevant insight for upcoming conventions or debate stories. Her most recent book, "Sound-bitten: The Perils of Media Centered Political Activism" (2011), examines protest around presidential debates and conventions. For this book, she followed 50 activist groups during presidential debates and nominating conventions for Democrats and Republicans in 2000 and 2004. She can discuss key points commentators should keep in mind about the upcoming conventions and debates.
News Contact: Alexander Reid, alexander.reid@tufts.edu or +1-617-627-4173

Adults Heading Back to School
Debra Gold
Associate Professor and Program Chair of Undergraduate Studies
Argosy University in Phoenix
"Countless adults are returning to the classroom, both online and on the ground, to pursue their education. Whether they’re returning to adapt to changes in the economy, looking to move ahead in their current role or making the time to pursue the degree they’ve always wanted, heading back to school to compete in a knowledge-based economy can mean a lot of adjustment and some new experiences. Adults returning to school are faced with challenges that can be very different from their younger, sometimes more energetic peers. They tend to have a larger amount of responsibility in their personal lives requiring them to focus not just on their studies alone."
Gold is available to speak about the challenges and opportunities facing adults who return to the classroom.
News Contact: Anne K. Dean, adean@argosy.edu or +1-714-620-0910

Communication Is Key for Divorced Parents
Mary Jo McCurley
Family Law Attorney
McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing LLP in Dallas
"Back-to-school time can be tough for newly divorced couples, but a little planning and a lot of mutual consideration can go a long way toward smoothing the path for parents and kids alike. Everybody should sit down together with a calendar and make sure all the important dates are recorded. Visits with their non-custodial parent, after-school activities, recitals, trips to grandma’s, dentist appointments -- everything that will occupy the children’s time needs to be recorded and shared with both parents. It may seem trivial, but both parents also need to make sure that they are included in all school, team or scout-troop communications because staying in the loop on daily activities is critical for both parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their children."
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

EPA Turned Back Over Clean Air Act Scope
Richard O. Faulk
Litigation Department Chair
Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Houston
"After two defeats in the nation’s appellate courts in less than a week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is learning that it can enforce -- but not expand -- its statutory role in administering the Clean Air Act. It is high time that the EPA learned that its powers as an unelected bureaucracy are limited by the people’s elected representatives in Congress. As these court decisions recognize, Congress insisted that the EPA and the states work cooperatively to control air pollution. Unless the EPA wants to try its luck with the U.S. Supreme Court, it now must collaborate and defer to state expertise. The EPA should now sit down and talk with the states instead of leading with a sledgehammer. The EPA can tell you there’s a problem, but nothing allows them to tell you how to fix it. That’s the responsibility of each individual state."
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Firms Can’t Ignore Chick-fil-A Lessons
Billy Hammel
Employment Attorney
Constangy Brooks & Smith LLP in Dallas
“While the Chick-fil-A maelstrom over gay marriage finally may be in the general public’s rearview mirror, employers still might find themselves vulnerable to lawsuits if such debates are allowed to rage at the workplace. Neither Title VII of the Civil Rights Act nor many states’ laws recognize sexual orientation as a characteristic that’s protected from discrimination. However, an experienced employee-side attorney could assert retaliation claims following such workplace debates in a way that would probably be covered by Title VII. For those wanting to avoid media firestorms like the one Chick-fil-A faced after its president and chief operating officer made statements against gay marriage, companies should enact policies that outline what types of public comments are permissible for all of their employees."
News Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Immigrants Share American Values
Deborah Schildkraut
Associate Professor of Political Science
Tufts University
"Much of the fervor fueling the anti-immigration debate is shaped by the belief that immigrants -- legal and otherwise -- are somehow a threat to our national identity. Americans, some critics believe, venerate a set of ideals and attitudes that are distinctly American. But do immigrants honor these same values? They do. Immigrants and their descendants embrace basic American values -- the love of freedom, the desire for economic advancement, the promise of the American Dream -- even as they celebrate and honor their own heritages."
Schildkraut researches immigration in America. In her most recent work, Schildkraut surveyed Americans' attitudes towards immigrants, and the opinion of immigrants and ethnic minorities themselves. The findings are based on a 144-question telephone survey of 2,800 people nationwide representing all demographics. The survey formed the foundation for her book "Americanism in the Twenty-First Century: Public Opinion in the Age of Immigration" (Cambridge University Press, 2011).
Expert Contact: Deborah.schildkraut@tufts.edu or +1-617-627-3492 Cell: +1-781-835-5185
News Contact: Alexander Reid, alexander.reid@tufts.edu or +1-617-627-4173

'Life Settlement' Policy Debate Renewed
Geoff Weisbart
Attorney
Weisbart Springer Hayes in Austin, Texas
"A lawsuit filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office against Waco-based Life Partners Holdings Inc. includes claims that the publicly traded company is selling unregistered securities to investors. Life Partners provides lump-sum payments to customers in exchange for the proceeds from their life insurance policies. Anyone purchasing an interest in a life settlement should be a very sophisticated purchaser who really knows what they are doing and recognizes the related risks. Likewise, any group selling life settlement interests must understand that courts are ruling that these policies are securities, requiring compliance with securities laws."
News Contact: Bruce Vincent, bruce@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Mitt Romney’s Energy Plan/Vision for 2020
Riggs Eckelberry
CEO and President
OriginOil
“It’s often forgotten that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was established under a Republican administration as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), which amended the Clean Air Act by establishing the first national renewable fuel standard. And it remains a fact that both presidential candidates maintain support for the RFS, which mandates 30 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2020, of which fully half must be from advanced biofuels like algae. The world’s demand for liquid fuel exceeds 86 million barrels a day, and growing; but petroleum can only satisfy about 70 million of that daily demand. The difference will come from alternatives such as gas liquefaction and biocrude."
Eckelberry is OriginOil Inc.’s president and CEO. In January 2011, he was named to the advisory board of the National Algae Association for his leadership in the field of algal biofuels technology. Eckelberry is a member of the Algal Biomass Organization and a corporate adviser to the Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization (IREO). In September 2009, OriginOil presented the industry’s first comprehensive algae production model, developed with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) of the Department of Energy.
News Contact: Jerry Schranz, jschranz@beckermanpr.com or +1-201-465-8020

Ten Commandments Case Results Vary
David Furlow
First Amendment Attorney
Thompson & Knight in Houston
"A federal appellate court recently allowed a 5-foot-tall Ten Commandments monument to remain at the Dixie County courthouse in Florida, though judges around the country have issued orders to remove similar expressions of religion from government buildings. The court tossed this case because the man who sued was from another county and merely passed the monument while driving, which is quite different from the atheist Houston lawyer who walked by a monument to enter the courthouse where she worked. All Bible monument cases are not created equal. Courts usually dismiss weak cases and typically order the removal of monuments that reflect a local government's support for one particular faith above all others. Many of those same courts also prohibit the use of taxpayer money to support one religion at the expense of others."
News Contact: Mary Flood, mary@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

When Is a Boat Not Really a Boat?
Cory Itkin
Maritime Lawyer
Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston
"Whether a floating structure can be considered a 'vessel' is an important legal question that is usually easy to answer, and Congress and the courts have broadly defined a 'vessel' as any watercraft capable of practical transportation on water, so it is a fairly easy test. However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear Lozman v. Riviera Beach may undo that existing threshold. In Lozman, a Florida man whose houseboat was seized by the City of Riviera Beach, Fla., claims his boat shouldn’t be considered a vessel because he didn’t intend to use it for transportation. He is arguing that the court should ignore Congress’ definition and instead look to whether the owner intended the structure for transportation. The other side argues that this test is too subjective and could lead to improper manipulation, and that it makes more sense to rely on the current objective test that cannot be as easily manipulated."
News Contact: Alan Bentrup, alan@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

 

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MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• St. Paul Bureau Team Leader - Minneapolis
• Assignment Editor - Phoenix
• Editorial Assistant/Community Reporter - Fort Collins, Colo.

See more listings here.

 

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

 

• LIVE FROM THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION: IT'S PR NEWSWIRE: PR Newswire's Sarah Skerik explains the company's role as the official wire service of the Republican and Democratic conventions: goo.gl/AFMKS

 

• WEEKLY ROUNDUP: JOURNALISM CAREERS, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING SHOOTING, BUZZFEED: ProfNet Editor Jason Hahn reviews 10 interesting PR- and media-related stories from the past week: goo.gl/GW2xj

 

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: DON'T GO TOWARD/TOWARDS THE LIGHT: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews when to use "towards" vs. "toward": goo.gl/yl12C

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You'll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

 

EXPERT ALERTS

• Benefits of Urban Redevelopment
• Home Inspection Negotiations
• Financial Comfort With a Reverse Mortgage
• Downsizing Your Home
• 'Life Settlement' Policy Debate Renewed
• Cyberattacks Top List of Corporate Concerns
• Firms Can’t Ignore Chick-fil-A Lessons
• History on Debtors' Side in Texas

MEDIA JOBS

• Investigative Reporter - West Palm Beach, Fla.
• Producer/Writer - Houston, Texas
• Multimedia Journalist - Sacramento, Calif.
• Online Editor/Producer - Washington, D.C.
• News Anchor/Producer/Reporter - Pocatello, Idaho

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Upcoming #ConnectChat: Open Social Collaboration for PR Pros
• Spotlight: Michael Vasquez, The Miami Herald
• Grammar Hammer: Don't Go Toward/Towards the Light
• Tips for an Effective Email Marketing Campaign

 

***************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Benefits of Urban Redevelopment
John McGrail
Founder and CEO
Mayo Group
As urban sprawl begins to make its way past beltways and into territory previously considered suburbia, enterprising companies are seeking to overhaul urban expanses by reimagining downtown spaces and shoring up existing infrastructure to breathe new life into urban areas. McGrail is a big proponent of urban redevelopment and cites major benefits to putting a new face on a crumbling or neglected neighborhood.
"Through redevelopment, previously vacant or neglected buildings vanish as modern edifices appear in their place, drawing people back to the area. Urban renewal also includes public improvements such as parking and utilities, as cleaner, greener services edge out outdated utilities. Finally, incorporating new apartments organically into a site can draw in a new population of urban dwellers or provide updated living space for those already living in the area."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

Home Inspection Negotiations
Kristin Brown-Orr
Realtor
After the completion of a home inspection, there will usually be a list of problems to fix, unless you are buying a brand-new home. In many cases, buyers typically have three options: ask for a price reduction or credit to fix the problems, ask the seller to fix all or some issues, or walk away from the deal altogether.
"Negotiating after a home inspection is a unique and meticulous process. Since no two homes are alike, no two negotiations will ever be the same. It is important for both parties to weigh the pros and cons of the repairs and pick your battles accordingly."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

Financial Comfort With a Reverse Mortgage
Chip Poli
CEO
Poli Mortgage Group, Inc.
During recent years, the financial climate has made retirement more difficult to weather than ever before. With the cost of living ever on the rise, retirees may find their savings insufficient to last comfortably through their golden years. A reverse mortgage can help alleviate financial concerns.
"Whether you are looking for a lump sum of cash to allow you to do the things you want to do, a line of credit to use as a safety net or a new income stream, a reverse mortgage could be just the solution for you. To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you (and any co-owners) must be 62 years of age or older, and your home must be your primary residence. The amount of money you qualify for depends on the value of your home, as well as borrower age and interest rates, which are currently at a historic low."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

Downsizing Your Home
Peggy Patenaude
Realtor
Prudential Howe & Doherty
You've made the decision to downsize to a new home that better suits you -- now it's time for a most critical task: downsizing your life to match your new home. Patenaude, a downsizing expert, has a few tips for how to choose what to save and what to discard.
"If any of your belongings are old or shabby (think rugs, towels, window treatments, bedding, even lampshades), get rid of them and don't consider replacing them until you are in your new space and can assess its storage capacity. If anything in your house is broken beyond the point that you will ever fix it, throw it out right now and don't look back. It’s also a great idea to contact a cause. Most charities are looking for gently used household items. It can feel really good to know that your former belongings will be given a second life with someone who truly needs them."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

'Life Settlement' Policy Debate Renewed
Geoff Weisbart
Attorney
Weisbart Springer Hayes in Austin, Texas
A lawsuit filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office against Waco-based Life Partners Holdings Inc. includes claims that the publicly traded company is selling unregistered securities to investors. Life Partners provides lump-sum payments to customers in exchange for the proceeds from their life insurance policies. Anyone purchasing an interest in a life settlement should be a very sophisticated purchaser who really knows what they are doing and recognizes the related risks. Likewise, any group selling life settlement interests must understand that courts are ruling that these policies are securities, requiring compliance with securities laws."
News Contact: Bruce Vincent, bruce@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Cyberattacks Top List of Corporate Concerns
Erin Nealy Cox
International Data Security Expert
Stroz Friedberg in Dallas
Data security and cyberthreats are now the top legal concerns of business leaders and general counsel, according to a recent national survey. While acknowledging the data security threat, a majority of corporate leaders revealed that their companies either didn’t have or weren’t sure if they had a data security response plan.
"Corporate America is slowly recognizing that protecting sensitive data is just as important as locking the door of the warehouse. Many companies are not allocating the resources to be more proactive in this area until it’s too late, and they are suffering from a costly compromise. My hope is that it’s not going to take more high-profile and damaging cyberattacks before real change occurs, but I suspect it will."
News Contact: Robert Tharp, robert@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Firms Can’t Ignore Chick-fil-A Lessons
Billy Hammel
Employment Attorney
Constangy Brooks & Smith LLP in Dallas
“While the Chick-fil-A maelstrom over gay marriage finally may be in the general public’s rearview mirror, employers still might find themselves vulnerable to lawsuits if such debates are allowed to rage at the workplace. Neither Title VII of the Civil Rights Act nor many states’ laws recognize sexual orientation as a characteristic that’s protected from discrimination. However, an experienced employee-side attorney could assert retaliation claims following such workplace debates in a way that would probably be covered by Title VII. For those wanting to avoid media firestorms like the one Chick-fil-A faced after its president and chief operating officer made statements against gay marriage, companies should enact policies that outline what types of public comments are permissible for all of their employees."
News Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

History on Debtors’ Side in Texas
Frances A. Smith
Bankruptcy Attorney
Shackelford Melton & McKinley in Dallas
"Many of the strong homestead protections enjoyed by Texas landowners are a result of early state history. Early leaders wanted to settle the state as quickly as possible and encourage settlers to move to Texas. Founders advertised generous homesteads, which were protected from creditors. As a result, Texans’ homesteads -- the land and houses they occupy -- always have been exempt from general creditor claims. This generally covers up to 10 acres of urban land and up to 200 acres of rural property. Some states will say you get your homestead up to $25,000 or $30,000, but Texas does it by the land area, so it doesn’t matter what the dollar value might be. Whether your 200 acres is worth $2 million or $200,000, it doesn’t matter. Each of your 200 acres is protected."
News Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

 

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MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Investigative Reporter - West Palm Beach, Fla.
• Producer/Writer - Houston, Texas
• Multimedia Journalist - Sacramento, Calif.
• Online Editor/Producer - Washington, D.C.
• News Anchor/Producer/Reporter - Pocatello, Idaho

See more listings here.

 

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

 

• UPCOMING #CONNECTCHAT: OPEN SOCIAL COLLABORATION FOR PR PROS: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne will interview PR pro Sarah Evans on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT: goo.gl/B9g0e

 

• SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL VASQUEZ, THE MIAMI HERALD: ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti interviews this award-winning journalist about his career and what he's learned working in the industry: goo.gl/DkDFj

 

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: DON'T GO TOWARD/TOWARDS THE LIGHT: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews when to use "towards" vs. "toward": goo.gl/06VmN

 

• TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE EMAIL MARKETING CAMPAIGN: PR Newswire's Christine Cube provides tips for companies on how they can better reach consumers via emails and newsletters: goo.gl/otmZ7

Via this column, we'll explore one grammar rule each week. If you have a grammar question you'd like me to address, please drop me a line at grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com and I'll do my best to answer it.

It's August, so no matter where you are in the Northern Hemisphere, it's safe to assume you've probably been encountering a lot of creepy crawlers recently.

Fun fact: It turns out that some flying insects actually move towards a light -- even though it ends up zapping them to death -- because they use the sun and moon to navigate their courses. Insects that are attracted to light include moths, flies, crane flies, mayflies, beetles and more, according to About.com. They don't realize that your porch light is actually leading them toward a buggy death trap!

This bring us to our short grammar discussion today: When do we use towards vs. toward?

Main Rule: Toward and towards can be used interchangeably.

Either word is correct, although North American English speakers tend to prefer toward, while other English speakers (specifically British) tend to prefer towards, according to Grammarist.

Examples:

• "No, don't go towards the light!" the caterpillar screamed to the moth. But it was too late.
• The beetle seemed hypnotized as it moved toward the light bulb, ending with a pop and sizzle.

Stop the bug annihilation -- turn your lights out!

 

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

image via Flickr user sapienssolutions

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT, seasoned PR professional Sarah Evans will discuss open social collaboration, an innovative approach that helps professionals, non-professionals, businesses and clients set goals and accomplish tasks together via online project management. She'll discuss how PR pros can take advantage of open social collaboration to streamline tasks, share information and connect with others.

To join the chat, just follow the #ConnectChat hashtag to view all updates from @prsarahevans, @ProfNet and the rest of the chat participants. We'll kick off the chat with a few questions for Evans just to get the conversation going, but feel free to ask questions or add comments at any time.

If you do not have a Twitter account, or will not be able to participate in the chat, you can find a recap on ProfNet Connect the following day (Aug. 28).

View past #ConnectChat recaps

 

About Sarah Evans

Sarah Evans is the chief evangelist at Tracky, an open social collaboration platform, and owner of Sevans Strategy, a new media consultancy.

It's her personal mission to engage and employ the use of emerging technologies in all communication that connects her with a rapidly growing base of more than 120,000 people.

A self-described "social media freak," Evans initiated and moderates #journchat, the weekly live chat between PR professionals, journalists and bloggers on Twitter.

She shares her social media and tech favorites on Sarah's Faves, as well as a daily resource for PR professionals called #Commentz.

Evans previously worked with a local crisis center to raise more than $161,000 via social media and is a team member of the Guinness Book World Records holding #beatcancer.

She can be seen in the February 2010 edition of Vanity Fair's "America's Tweethearts," Forbes' "14 Power Women to Follow on Twitter" and Entrepreneur's "Top 10 Hot Startups of 2010."

 

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

Each week, Dear Gracie answers questions from ProfNet Connect readers with advice from our network of nearly 50,000 ProfNet experts. Has there been a question burning in your mind lately, something you've been wondering that none of your colleagues can answer? Please send it to grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com

Dear Gracie,

I'm a student working at my first PR internship this summer. What's the best advice a long-time PR professional can give me? What's the most important lesson they've learned throughout their career in this industry?

Advice for an Amateur

 

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Dear Advice for an Amateur:

1. Go the Extra Mile. Film producer Samuel Goldwyn once said: "The harder I work, the luckier I get." That is, the harder you work, the more ideas and chances you make for yourself.

PR is strategic, but it is also about making that extra phone call, sending that extra email or following up that one extra time, says Doug Drotman of Drotman Communications. Expose yourself to opportunities.

2. Set Realistic Expectations. Thomas Lee, founding partner and head of public relations at 451 Marketing, was representing a local radio station that had arranged for the musician Uncle Kracker to perform live. He made a few calls and got every major outlet in the area to guarantee they would cover the event. He told his client "every media outlet will be there," and of course the client was thrilled.

This is what most seasoned publicists would consider a cardinal sin, says Lee. Because despite guarantees, not a single media outlet showed up to cover the concert. The lesson learned was that, as a publicist, you ultimately can't control the media. There are so many variables that can keep a media outlet from attending an event, publishing an article or running a broadcast piece -- breaking news, traffic, adverse weather, advertisers, editors who need more space, etc. -- that nothing is ever a certainty.

"Always under promise and over deliver," agrees Shannon Blood, account manager at Off Madison Ave.

3. Stay Cool Under Pressure. "Grace under pressure can make all the difference," says Karyn Martin, vice president of 451 Marketing. "When a situation isn't going as planned, your reaction can make or break it with your client." Put others at ease by rising above the situation -- and you'll be at a real advantage in the PR industry.

4. Remember the Details. "My most important PR lesson can be summed up in one word: 'parking,'" says Zipporah Dvash, assistant vice president of public affairs and development for SUNY Downstate Medical Center and University Hospital of Brooklyn at Long Island College Hospital. In a dense urban area like New York City, reporters will not only evaluate the merits of your pitch, but also on whether they can get their crew to your location. "Every pitch of mine includes 'we will arrange parking,'" she says.

5. Always Represent. Tradeshows are frequently in Las Vegas, but remember that you're there on your client's dime and always representing them, says Jeremy Pepper, a long-time PR consultant and blogger. "You can go out and drink, but you better be on time for the events and never hungover.

6. Be Proactive. As a journalist, you can only report -- you can only be reactive -- but as a PR professional, you can make things happen -- you can be proactive, explains Dan Collins, senior director of media relations at Mercy Medical Center.

He learned this lesson on his first PR job, when a local musician was brutally mugged and her five-figure violin stolen. Collins set up an effort to offer a reward for the stolen violin, and also to get her medical expenses covered. This attracted press coverage, and in turn, it also attracted the criminals, who came forward to try and claim the reward, and ended up getting caught.

"PR and journalism are truly two sides of the same coin," says Collins. But the ability to be proactive is the power of PR.

7. Be Sincere. "Be genuine and you will be believable," says Chris Leogrande, director of media relations at Utica College. "This has served me so well in my relationships with reporters. If I can't answer their questions, I tell them why I can't." For example:

• Press at this point could endanger our funding.
• We have a policy not to release personal information on employees.
• I don't know the answer to that but I will try to find out.

"Never, ever lie to a reporter. No matter what," says Lewis Goldberg in his post "PR Lessons Learned." "You will be found out and you will personally lose credibility and hurt your client deeply."

8. Win Trust. "Far too many relationships become ones based on a vendor-supplier dynamic rather than a trusted partner relationship," says Bill McLaughlin, PR and social media pro with Lois Paul and Partners, in his post "Client-PR Agency Relationships: It's a Matter of Trust." Here are some ways to build a relationship with a foundation of trust:

• Give clients a reality check. It is crucial at the outset that clients understand their assets, strengths and weaknesses, desires and goals, etc.
• Avoid investment expectations. "The agency needs to deliver results, but the client also needs to pay for the cost of those results."
• Provide financial transparency. Once a budget is agreed upon, make sure the client is aware of how activities are tracking to the budget.
• Nip issues in the bud. Don't hesitate to talk about expectations or problems. The sooner those conversations take place, the better.

A trusted relationship should also include respect and privacy, adds Brooks. "No matter the context of your work, and no matter what reporters ask or think they know, some conversations and information should be kept out of public view." Keep your word.

9. Remain Tactful. "Know the right time to speak up and the time to be quiet," says Rachel Hutman, communications pro with Clearpoint Agency. It's a fine line, and something you learn as you go, she says.

Additionally, remember that in times of crisis it's important to say something to the media, says John Brooks, director media relations and news at North Park University in Chicago. "Reporters will find someone who will comment, and you probably won't like what these 'spokespersons' have to say." Always return phone calls to reporters in a timely fashion and have a written statement to share, even if it contains little information.

10. Pick Your Battles. "The client is always right, even when they aren't," says Susan Tellem, partner of Tellem Grody PR. "It's critical that public relations pros offer their best advice when clients ask and even when they don't."

Tell clients what you think and why, Tellem continues. "If the client doesn't agree for whatever reason, tell them: 'You're the client. While I do not agree, I will help you achieve what you want to do to the best of my ability (as long as it is not illegal or immoral)."

11. Collaborate. Work as a true partner with your internal stakeholders or clients, says Rachel DiCaro Metscher, corporate communications director of Hobsons. A good collaborator will clearly identify needs, provide a solution that works, make sure the work gets done and follow up. "The ability to work well with each person is vital to the success of their project and mine," she says.

"Set goals as a team," adds McLaughlin. "Begin with realistic goals that include some quick return possibilities so that everyone can see immediate traction for the program."

12. Beware of the Status Quo. "The status quo is the enemy," says Lou Hoffman, CEO of The Hoffman Agency. "It's easy to fall into the trap of doing something the same way because that's how it's always been done." There's always room for fresh thinking.

13. "Pitch Sensibly. "Send a pitch because it's the right story for the right media person," says John Goodman of John Goodman PR. "Dumb pitches to appease a client will come back to bite you with the media."

14. Read a Lot. "You cannot be well-read enough in the PR business," says Atlanta publicist Dan Beeson. "Sample as many literary genres as humanly possibly."

15. Have fun. "While PR is a job, taking the joy of life into your job will make you way more effective," says Goldberg. "If you just see what we do as a slog to get through, you will not be doing anyone any favors." Enjoy your life and your job and your work will reflect this.

Gracie

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You'll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

 

EXPERT ALERTS

• Recruiting: How to Find a Needle in a Haystack
• Trade With China Is Soaring -- But Beware the Pitfalls

MEDIA JOBS

• Senior Editor - NYC
• Online Content Analyst - Camarillo, Calif.
• Visual Journalist - Birmingham, Ala.
• City Hall Reporter - Detroit

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Tool Spotlight: TweetCharts.com
• #ConnectChat Recap: Job Hunting 101
• Grammar Hammer: Julia Child's Recipe for Parallel Structure
• A Tribute to Helen Gurley Brown

 

****************

EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Recruiting: How to Find a Needle in a Haystack
Kim First
President and CEO
The Agency Worldwide
"As a recruiter in the life sciences field, I am often called upon to find a scientist with credentials so specific that only three people in the world might fit my client's specifications. Specialty recruiters have asked me how this is done. In specialty fields, the best candidates are often not looking for work. The keys to success are knowing and building relationships with clients and candidates over the years."
First is based in Los Angeles and is available for media interviews.
News Contact: Richard Berman, gobermanpr@gmail.com or +1-914-572-2707

Trade With China Is Soaring -- But Beware the Pitfalls
Rosemary Coates
China Trade Consultant
"In addition to supply chain consulting, I am an expert witness for cases involving Chinese manufactured goods such as machinery, apparel, toys, drywall and glass. When dealing with Chinese vendors, nothing can be taken for granted. Product specifications, terms and expectations need to be clearly discussed and then memorialized in writing. Even when you are dealing with an importer of Chinese goods in the U.S., be sure to specify exactly what you want from the Chinese manufacturer. Don’t leave anything to chance or you just might end up in court. And even when you are very careful about the contract, the points of view of the import buyer and the Chinese manufacturer are very different. Westerners view the contract as the end point to the negotiations, while Chinese view it as just the start of the project, subject to interpretation. These different points of view can result in ugly disappointment, or worse."
Coates is available for media interviews. She is the author of "42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China." Coates is based in San Francisco Bay Area.
News Contact: Richard Berman, gobermanpr@gmail.com or +1-914-572-2707

 

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Senior Editor - NYC
• Online Content Analyst - Camarillo, Calif.
• Visual Journalist - Birmingham, Ala.
• City Hall Reporter - Detroit

See more listings here.

 

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• TOOL SPOTLIGHT: TWEETCHARTS.COM: ProfNet Editor Jason Hahn reviews a free tool that allows you to call up charts with data about hashtags, words/phrases, usernames or URLS on Twitter: goo.gl/yrby6

 

• #CONNECTCHAT RECAP: JOB HUNTING 101: ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti interviewed Steve Gosset, manager of media relations at ACLU, on how to interview for a job and transition from journalism to media relations: goo.gl/0ET66

 

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: JULIA CHILD'S RECIPE FOR PARALLEL STRUCTURE: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews the rules for parallel structure: goo.gl/cA4UL

 

• A TRIBUTE TO HELEN GURLEY BROWN: ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti describes how Cosmopolitan impacted her life, in honor of the legendary magazine editor: goo.gl/PqTnx

Via this column, we'll explore one grammar rule each week. If you have a grammar question you'd like me to address, please drop me a line at grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com and I'll do my best to answer it.

When I was little and had to stay home sick from school, I'd always watch a TV cooking show with my mom, featuring a tall lady with a peculiar warbly voice making really delicious-looking food with lots of butter. I didn't realize until many years later -- when the movie "Julie & Julia" came out -- that my mom and I had been watching reruns of Julia Child.

Watching those reruns was my first introduction to the legendary chef, author and TV personality. I'm sure many of you have your own versions of how you were introduced to Child, whether you're a longtime fan, like my mom, who owns a weathered copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking; or a newer fan, like me, who was captivated by her charm in reruns and modern adaptations like "Julie & Julia."

Child penned 18 cookbooks during her 91 years of life, so she surely was aware of grammar rules like parallel structure. In honor of what would have been her 100th birthday this week, we'll review this principle:

Main Rule: Similar material within a sentence, list or passage should be presented in a consistent manner to ensure grammatical purpose, structure and rhythm.

Within a sentence:

• Julia Child was magnetic, hilarious and wholehearted. [all adjectives]
• Julia Child was charming, a chef and funny. [incorrect]
• Julia Child loved salade nicoise, chicken waterzooi soup and pizza. [all recipes]
• Julia Child loved coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and baking. [incorrect]

Within a List:

• To cook the duck:
• Debone the bird.
• Discard fat.
• Add the stuffing.
• Heat the oil.
• Brown the duck.
• [Each bullet point starts with a verb.]
• To make pastry:
• Mix flour, salt, sugar and butter.
• Add water.
• Dough into a ball.
• Sprinkle with flour.
• Knead repeatedly.
• [This list is incorrect because "dough" is not a verb.]

Within a passage:

• Chefs who create delicious food don't always get television shows, but one always has the advantage of eating well. [incorrect; switches from plural to singular subject]
• Chefs who create delicious food don't always get television shows, but they always have the advantage of eating well. [correct]

Bon appetit!

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