Tag: NCPRSA

Dana Phelps to speak at 2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference

Olivia NolesProfessional Development, Raleigh PR Agency, , , , , Leave a Comment on Dana Phelps to speak at 2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference

Clairemont’s Dana Phelps has been selected as a speaker for the 2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference. A repeat presenter at the annual conference, this year Phelps is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor.

2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference

The 2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference theme is “transformation.” The conference will feature speakers and panel discussions from which both new and experienced communication professionals will benefit. These sessions will improve your skills and knowledge in the rapidly changing world of communications.

Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor

During the Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor session, Phelps will share three of her coined concepts, knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing, that will guide communications professionals who desire to grow from tactical execution to trusted counseling.

The conference is Friday, November 18, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The Mckimmon Center in Raleigh. Register to attend the 2022 NCPRSA Strategic Communications & MarCom Conference here!

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Selfies & Succotash: Inspiring 2021

Cherith AndesBlog, Professional Development, The Clairemont Team, , , , 1 Comment on Selfies & Succotash: Inspiring 2021

Among other things, 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of Clairemont Communications. And we had big plans to “do something different” this year.

Boy, did that “something different” ever unfold!

So what happened? How did we grow, change and (don’t say it, don’t say it …) “pivot”?

Clairemont CEO Dana Phelps presented as the keynote speaker for the Public Relations of Society – North Carolina Chapter (NCPRSA) at its annual InSpire Awards ceremony (virtual, of course).

She unveiled learnings from 2020 to inspire your 2021, from selfies to succotash.

Best five minutes of your day, right here. 👇🏼👇🏼

Looking for more personal (and professional) inspiration?

We have a few tips for you.

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190 Thank Yous

Cherith AndesAwards, Blog, The Clairemont Team, , , , , , Leave a Comment on 190 Thank Yous

At the end of the day, you might eyeball your check list, cross through the accomplishments and reticently port the straggling items to tomorrow’s list. Another ho-hum day in books.

But at Clairemont, we feel a little differently. We love the work we get to do and clients with whom we get to work. We’re energized, jazzed — thrilled! — to delve into our clients’ strategies and campaigns. And we’re grateful that we can partner with such incredible businesses and people.

At the 2018 North Carolina Public Relations Society (NCPRSA) InSpire Awards banquet, we got the opportunity to celebrate these wonderful client relationships and fun campaigns. We were honored to receive 15 awards from the NCPRSA for our client work, including:

  • Bronze Best in Show “Newland Feature Story”
  • Best in Category for “Social Media: The Vita Vite Lifestyle”
  • Best in Category for “Press Kit/Media Kit: Il Palio’s Freshly Baked Media Kit”
  • Best in Category for “Integrated Communications: Babalu’s Grand Opening Rocks the Guac”
  • Best in Category for “Editorials/Op-Ed Columns: Newland Editorial: Gains of Going Green”
  • Award of Excellence for “Feature Stories: Newland Feature Story”
  • Award of Excellence for “Press Conferences: WGU NC Launch”
  • Award of Excellence for “Integrated Communications: Babalu’s Grand Opening Rocks the Guac”
  • Award of Excellence for “Events and Observances: Briar Chapel’s Annual Pepper Festival Turns 10”
  • Award of Excellence for “Social Media: The Vita Vite Lifestyle”
  • Award of Excellence for “Editorials/Op-Ed Columns: Newland Editorial: Gains of Going Green”
  • Award of Excellence for “Media Relations: Talbots and Oprah Magazine Dress for Success”
  • Honorable Mention for “Videos: Wendell Falls Builder Spotlight Videos”
  • Honorable Mention for “Press Kits/Media Kits: Il Palio’s Freshly Baked Media Kit”
  • Honorable Mention for “Creative Tactics: Il Palio at the James Beard House”

Since inception, Clairemont has earned now 190 industry awards for its work in the public relations industry. We consider this 190 times we get to say “thank you” to our clients for partnering with us!

Interested in some of the work we do? Check out a few of our case studies!

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PR People: Kim Strazisar

Sarah HattmanBlog, PR People, Public Relations, , , , , , , Leave a Comment on PR People: Kim Strazisar

Kim Strazisar

Job title and function: I wear many hats. I do everything from client networking and proposal writing to strategy and implementation of public relations, social media, email marketing campaigns and web design solutions. I have also started training courses to give small business owners a helping hand with their social media. Ultimately, my job is to listen to my clients and then develop and execute the best plan to help get their voices heard and their objectives met.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: Despite the rapid changes in technology and media, ethical PR strategy and tactics still get results. A news release helped a client raise money for charity. A broader social media strategy helped a client gain more customers. Letters to legislators helped a client get a law passed. A newsletter helped a client educate and retain its members. As a PR pro, there is nothing more rewarding for me than the satisfaction of helping a client reach their goals through communications.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: One of my craziest adventures was while I worked for The Rossman Group (now Truscott Rossman) in Lansing, Mich. My client, The Michigan Oil and Gas Association, hired us to promote The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. One summer, I organized press conferences at several sites across the state. It was just me in my little Honda at these remote locations with limited cell service. Never before in a traditional press conference did I have to direct news trucks down unnamed back roads, schlep podiums out to swampy bird sanctuaries, or ask participants to do their best to talk over the bugling elks standing in the reserve behind them. It was crazy, but it was worth it as the client got great coverage for the program and my work on that campaign won our firm the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s “Best In Show” award that year.

Advice for new PR pros: First, always do quality work. Then…

1) Connect with other PR pros. I met amazing friends and colleagues through the Central Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America’s New Professionals group. We supported each other through the highs and lows during the first years of our careers. Fifteen years later, we are scattered across the country but we’re still cheering for each other’s accomplishments on social media and answering each other’s calls for help or advice.

2) Become a member of a public relations trade association, society, meetup, or club. I am a member of the North Carolina Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA). Membership is the key to continuing your professional development and finding future job opportunities.

3) Find a mentor. Seek out someone that you trust and respect who will answer your questions and guide you through managing workflow, navigating office dynamics and working with clients – all skills that will help you move to the next level.

4) Speak Up! It’s always better to ask for help, than to make a mistake – especially when dealing with the media. But if and when you do make a mistake, admit it, fix it and learn from it – quick!

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and then join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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PR People: Lindsay Priester

Sarah HattmanBlog, PR People, Public Relations, , , , , , , Leave a Comment on PR People: Lindsay Priester

Lindsay Priester

Job title and function: I am the Senior Manager of Client Relations for Rountree Communications, a boutique PR agency in Raleigh. My job, like most in PR, hits on a little bit of everything! On an overarching level, I develop and lead PR strategy for our clients, which ranges from technology startups to retail brands. Each day is so different for me (which I love!), but on any given day I could be drafting press releases or other media documents, writing client blog content, creating and managing social media campaigns, meeting with clients or working at a client event. Basically whatever my clients need to get done in the PR realm (and sometimes not in the PR realm – I’ve been known to be an excellent supplier of coffee during an event), I do!

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: There is no better feeling than landing your client coverage that is truly valuable for them. What that looks like varies. For some it may be a piece in the local newspaper; for others a white paper in a trade publication or a mention on a national news show. When we secure coverage that reaches a client’s target audience and helps move them closer to their goals, it feels great! Accomplishing that in today’s digital world where people are constantly bombarded with messaging from every direction is even more rewarding.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: Oh goodness, I know every PR pro has a million crazy stories to tell, especially in those crunch-time hours right before going out with an announcement or putting on a media event! One that immediately comes to mind – I was working at a press event for a race track where we offered the media ride-alongs in race cars with professional drivers. In order to be able to ride, you had to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and this particular member of the media had on shorts and sandals. Not wanting her to miss the chance for a ride-along (or the chance for my client to get some great coverage), I quickly asked her if she’d be willing to trade clothes for the ride. Luckily, we were about the same size and pulled off a quick change in the bathroom! I may have looked a little silly in my professional top with jean shorts and Tevas, but she had a fantastic time and even referenced our costume change in the article!

Advice for new PR pros: PR, on every level, is about people. Get to know the PR pros in your area and learn from them as much as you can. When I first started out in PR, I joined the Raleigh Public Relations Society and now serve on the Board of Directors as Vice President. I can’t begin to express all of the things I’ve learned from the people in that group.

Be sure to remember that your clients are people. Obviously you’ll get to know their business or product and goals very well, but take the time to get to know them on a personal level. Some of my favorite people in the world are clients I’ve gotten to know closely over the years. Not only are they great friends, but knowing them on a deeper level is really beneficial in helping their business or product succeed.

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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