Your News and Notes for July/August

International Association of Business Communicators

Thursday, Aug. 6
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Frankie's Italian Grille

Shake off your summer doldrums - it's time for the IABC Summer Social!

Please join us for relaxed networking, scrumptious appetizers and a cash bar.

It's a perfect opportunity to connect with members and nonmembers, learn about IABC and just enjoy some socializing after work.

A modest $10.00 for everyone! Click here to RSVP.

Save the Date:

September Meeting-

Crisis Communications, Pirate Style

Wednesday, Sept. 2
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association
1301 Greenwood Cliff, Charlotte

Come aboard Sept. 2 to learn about the global communication challenges of a pirate attack.

While the world's eyes and ears were focused on media coverage of the pirated Maersk Alabama cargo ship last April, Maersk North America's communications team was staffing the emergency preparedness "war room" and coordinating communications with worldwide Maersk units, media and much more.

You'll get behind the scenes and learn what worked, what didn't and the team's advice for other communicators in a crisis of global interest. Invite your operations and logistics leaders to this meeting!

For more details and registration, go to http://www.ciabc.com/

A Note From the President

Greetings!

Greetings from your new President! As one of my first official duties, I have the pleasure of announcing the new board. The range of knowledge and experience represented in the group is a direct parallel to the IABC/Charlotte membership overall.

IABC/Charlotte Board of Directors for 2009-2010

President - Ruth Moeller, Bank of America
Senior Delegate - Dianne Chase, C4CS and Chase Media
VP/Finances - Diane Rutledge, CPSM, Balfour Beatty Construction
Co-VP/Programs - David Coburn, Luquire George Andrews
Co-VP/Programs - Diane St. John, MBA, APR, Communications Strategies
VP/Member Recruitment - Cathy Clark, Areva Inc.
VP/Member Services - Susanne Griffing
Co-VP/Communication - Susan Shackelford, Susan Shackelford writes and consults.
Co-VP/Communication (Cvent) - Sharon Morris, Duke Energy
Co-VP/Communication (Social Media & Students) - Natalia Russo, Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association

With Gratitude

As the new board takes office, we also want to acknowledge the contributions of Andrew Newsome and Leanne Pupchek - two IABC members who served on the previous board. Thank you!

I also want to thank Dianne Chase for her service as president and as senior delegate (ongoing). She gives freely of her time and talents to assist in the professional development of local communicators and to connect us locally and with IABC's international network of communicators. Thank you, Dianne. You are very much appreciated!

So, What's Next?

Programs - You can look forward to another year of timely and relevant professional development.
Membership - Renewed focus on meeting the needs of current members and reaching out to prospective members.
Communications - We will continue to inform you of IABC/Charlotte's latest news and opportunities through this e-newsletter. And you can learn along with us as we find our place with social media.
You! - One of the things I love most about IABC is the incredible sharing of best practices and industry trends. By stepping out to attend a program or stepping up to a volunteer opportunity, you'll gain access to a whole world of knowledge and experience!

Got Feedback?

Questions, suggestions - even amusing anecdotes - are welcomed. Reach out to me at mailto:president@ciabc.comI look forward to our conversation.

- Ruth

"Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best."

- David O. McKay

July Meeting Recap

Tech Expert Chris Harrington Provides Twitter Insight

Twitter bird

From big-picture thinking to technical tips, technology expert Chris Harrington addressed the burgeoning social media phenomenon, Twitter, at IABC/Charlotte's July 1 meeting.

He cited data from comScore, a marketing research firm, showing that 65 percent of people online are using social media, and that 75 percent of 18 to 34-year olds in the U.S. visit social media sites at least once a month.

In using Twitter to promote brand awareness, "have a strategy and know your audience," advised Harrington, technology director for Luquire George Andrews, a Charlotte-based communications firm.

Known nationally for starting the "Vote Woz" campaign that kept Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak on "Dancing with the Stars," Harrington recounted how he built the campaign. He also explained to the nearly 60 attendees such Twitter tools as re-tweeting, direct messaging, URL shortening and hashtags.