NBPRS conference focuses attention on

NBPRS conference focuses attention on
re-dedication to community service

(October 3, 2007) The National Black Public Relations Society returned to Chicago last weekend for four inspiring days of networking, training and honoring those who paved the way for others at the group's Ninth Annual Conference and Career Fair. Themed "Making Our Communities Better Through the Power of PR," NBPRS National President Wynona Redmond (left) and conference Co-Chairs, David Rudd and Deborah Hyman welcomed more than 300 attendees.

The conference served as a reminder as well as a call to action for PR practitioners to keep service to community top-of-mind. "In addition to our media savvy, editorial expertise and strategic communications skills, PR people are in a key position to facilitate connections to resources that address community needs," Redmond said. "That should be our charge," said Redmond, who is also Public Affairs director, Dominick's.

The organization honored several individuals and companies that give back on local, national and global levels including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, for his proven community commitment; Tom Burrell, founder of the Burell Communications Group ad agency, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Sonya Jackson, Managing Director, Corporate Social Investment, United Airlines, who helped coordinate one of the first relief flights to New Orleans with supplies for Katrina survivors; and ESSENCE magazine, whose Essence Music Festival poured more than $100 million into New Orleans city coffers this year.

In addition, honors were given to Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice President, Communications, AC Nielsen; Gwendolyn Quinn, founder, GQ Media and PR and the African-American PR Collective; Kim Hunter, President and CEO, LAGRANT Communications; Dr. Warwick Carter, President, Columbia College Chicago; and Antoinette Wright, President and CEO, Dusable Museum of African-American History.

McDonald's and Abbott Labs also received honors for exemplary work in the community.

A compelling slate of panel discussion topics included "The World of Corporate Social Responsibility," "PR to the Rescue," "Politics Powered by PR," "Uplifting the Church with PR," "Getting into the C-Suite," "Healthcare PR" and "Communicating the Cause."

Conference speakers used dynamic examples to illustrate the power of public relations, which involves utilizing vehicles such as media, events, and printed materials to deliver messages. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) said public relations dates back to biblical times when God told Moses to tell pharaoh, "Let my people go."

Burrell recounted how American chattel slavery was accepted as a result of a heinous PR campaign against African Americans. Jackson, just back from his trip to support the Jena Six, challenged the PR professionals to help get the word out about the full story of their unjust treatment and the denial of civil rights in Jena, Louisiana and other places.

Several activities were designed especially for students or those just entering the PR field, including the Career Fair, where PR agency recruiters conducted interviews; special panel discussions; resume critique and speed mentoring sessions; and a writing workshop.

Conference sponsors included Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bloom, Gross & Associates, Business Wire, The Coca-Cola Company, Constituency Management Group, Edelman, Eli Lilly, Exelon, Hill & Knowlton, ING, Safeway/Dominick's, Southwest Airlines, SUPERVALU/Jewel-Osco, Toyota, U.S. Cellular and Weber Shandwick.

The National Black Public Relations Society is a non-profit organization of media relations, marketing, public affairs, government relations and special event planning professionals. The organization provides support to students and professionals in the field through mentorship, education, professional development and networking.

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Click here for free delivery of the Target Market News Bulletin You'll receive news of breaking stories, exclusives, updates and headlines on the latest developments in African American marketing and media Black Stats Frequently requested data on African American consumers Black Buying Power: $719 Billion (2005) Black U.S. Population: 38.3 million Top Five Black Cities - New York - Chicago - Detroit - Philadelphia - Houston Top Five Black Metros: - New York-New Jersey - Washington-Baltimore - Chicago-Gary - Los Angeles - Philadelphia Top Five Expenditures: - Housing $110.2 bil. - Food $53.8 bil. - Cars/Trucks $28.7 bil. - Clothing $22.0 bil. - Health Care $17.9 bil. Click here for more stats from "The Buying Power of Black America." ______________________ Get quick access to key U.S. Census Bureau Data Click here to go to African-American Census Bureau data _____________________ Copyright `© 2007 by Target Market News Inc.` All rights reserved Business address: 228 S. Wabash Ave. Suite 210 Chicago, IL 60604 t. 312-408-1881 f. 312-408-1867 info@targetmarketnews.com	NBPRS conference focuses attention on re-dedication to community service (October 3, 2007) The National Black Public Relations Society returned to Chicago last weekend for four inspiring days of networking, training and honoring those who paved the way for others at the group's Ninth Annual Conference and Career Fair. Themed "Making Our Communities Better Through the Power of PR," NBPRS National President Wynona Redmond (left) and conference Co-Chairs, David Rudd and Deborah Hyman welcomed more than 300 attendees. The conference served as a reminder as well as a call to action for PR practitioners to keep service to community top-of-mind. "In addition to our media savvy, editorial expertise and strategic communications skills, PR people are in a key position to facilitate connections to resources that address community needs," Redmond said. "That should be our charge," said Redmond, who is also Public Affairs director, Dominick's. The organization honored several individuals and companies that give back on local, national and global levels including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, for his proven community commitment; Tom Burrell, founder of the Burell Communications Group ad agency, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Sonya Jackson, Managing Director, Corporate Social Investment, United Airlines, who helped coordinate one of the first relief flights to New Orleans with supplies for Katrina survivors; and ESSENCE magazine, whose Essence Music Festival poured more than $100 million into New Orleans city coffers this year. In addition, honors were given to Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice President, Communications, AC Nielsen; Gwendolyn Quinn, founder, GQ Media and PR and the African-American PR Collective; Kim Hunter, President and CEO, LAGRANT Communications; Dr. Warwick Carter, President, Columbia College Chicago; and Antoinette Wright, President and CEO, Dusable Museum of African-American History. McDonald's and Abbott Labs also received honors for exemplary work in the community. A compelling slate of panel discussion topics included "The World of Corporate Social Responsibility," "PR to the Rescue," "Politics Powered by PR," "Uplifting the Church with PR," "Getting into the C-Suite," "Healthcare PR" and "Communicating the Cause." Conference speakers used dynamic examples to illustrate the power of public relations, which involves utilizing vehicles such as media, events, and printed materials to deliver messages. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) said public relations dates back to biblical times when God told Moses to tell pharaoh, "Let my people go." Burrell recounted how American chattel slavery was accepted as a result of a heinous PR campaign against African Americans. Jackson, just back from his trip to support the Jena Six, challenged the PR professionals to help get the word out about the full story of their unjust treatment and the denial of civil rights in Jena, Louisiana and other places. Several activities were designed especially for students or those just entering the PR field, including the Career Fair, where PR agency recruiters conducted interviews; special panel discussions; resume critique and speed mentoring sessions; and a writing workshop. Conference sponsors included Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bloom, Gross & Associates, Business Wire, The Coca-Cola Company, Constituency Management Group, Edelman, Eli Lilly, Exelon, Hill & Knowlton, ING, Safeway/Dominick's, Southwest Airlines, SUPERVALU/Jewel-Osco, Toyota, U.S. Cellular and Weber Shandwick. The National Black Public Relations Society is a non-profit organization of media relations, marketing, public affairs, government relations and special event planning professionals. The organization provides support to students and professionals in the field through mentorship, education, professional development and networking. Go to Target Market News homepage	13th Edition Now Available New Buying Power report shows more spending by black consumers on 'necessities' Thanks to economic gains in the past two years, black households across the U.S., especially middle-class families, are increasing their purchases of lifestyle and leisure items. 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