Heroes at Home

Just the other day I was sitting around my house procrastinating.  I wanted to do anything besides studying, so I decided to watch a little television.  As I watched, I saw a commercial advertising Sears.  The commercial was advertising their Heroes at Home program.  I was so intrigued I decided to look it up.  I was truly amazed at what Sears had done to their website.  Social media is something every organization needs to become involved in and Sears has implemented this with the Heroes at Home program. The program is a great example or an organization giving back and upholding and reaffirming their positive reputation.

Heroes at Home was established to provide support to military service members, veterans and their families.  Sears teamed up other not-for-profit organizations to make this program possible.  “They make a difference, so can you” is the catch phrase on the webpage for the program. There are 29,333 different families Sears and others are hoping to help out this holiday season.

Sears has done a tremendous job creating a social media section for Heroes at Home.  The site is red, white and blue to represent the patriotism they show for the families of service.  On the website you can view tiny blog posts from men and women of service and also their family and friends.   Each story is uniquely different telling of their trials and tribulations.

A man from Texas wrote about his young son who just wanted his daddy home for Christmas. He talked about the sadness and hurt they young boy felt every time his dad left.  I began tearing up as I read and then a miracle occurred.  The man arrived home just in time for Christmas.  The program doesn’t just ask you for money. It gets you involved and allows you to read about the people you will be helping as well as sending them your thoughts.  It creates a genuine connection.

You, the viewer, can post a message of support or thank you to families. It scrolls through messages continually at the bottom on the website. You can even blog about you thought and feelings.  There is also an option to forward the webpage to a friend or family member.  This attempts to spread the word on the program and encourage other to visit.  The page also includes Sears top 100 wish list for the 29,333 families they are hoping to help.  The top ten items are all children’s clothing and shoe items.  It even has a bar graph rating the popularity of the items the military families requested.

Making a donation is easy.  You simply enter the amount to would like to donate to a family and it’s added to your Sears shopping cart.  Billing is the same as any online shopping.   However, you can’t pick a particular family and item your money goes to, but after reading a few stories you’re sure to know it’s going to a good cause for someone who will be grateful for it.

All in all Sears has done a remarkable job with the web design of the program.  Its colors are meaningful as well as what it stands for.  It’s very simple and easy to navigate.  Somehow, it makes you feel a part of something bigger than yourself.  For more information about the program visit, www.sears.com.

Bad smells dont settle well with community

Just the other day I was reading the Atlanta Journal Constitution and came across a disturbing article titled, “Neighbors: Plant fails the smell test.”  A plant in Fairburn, GA was putting off awful smells that troubled residents countless residents and caused major health problems.

A plant owned by Philip Services Corp. was putting off an awful stench.  At the plant, wastewater is treated and then sent to Fulton County.  According to the article, “About 2,000 residents some 15 miles away in Peachtree City claimed the odor and chemicals caused health problems and made their lives unbearable,” (Stirgus).  Water from Alabama contained the agricultural pesticide ethoprop and an odorized additive called propyl mercaptan.   Ethoprop is lethal to humans and wildlife in large doses and is a known human carcinogen, (Stirgus).

The smell began back in June of 2006.  In September, Philip Services Corp. reached a settlement of 4 million dollars. However residents that live near the plant aren’t satisfied with the offer.  Residents health complaints include, bad allergies, pets and people avoiding the outdoors, a man claiming the smell cause the death of his wife.  The smell resembled onions.

In my courses this semester we have been reading and learning all about the aspects of public relations.  Crisis management immediately came to my mind after learning of this horrible happening.  So what is Philip Services doing to maintain is reputation and uphold its integrity in the community of Fulton County?

Clare Hindman died shortly after the smell began.  Her health rapidly worsened and she was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease dying shortly after.  A lawyer representing the plant made a statement claiming that federal health officials found no hazardous levels of the chemicals at the plant to cause the onion like odor.  A 102 page reported was later released with details.  The ALH Foundation came out saying that there is no known cause to the disease.  ALH is a foundation who aids people in fighting the disease.
The plant did decide to settle with residents rather than causing more drama within in the community.  They were trying to maintain positive community relations with people, however money can’t fix everything.
The plant decided to no longer treat chemicals at the plant.  The Georgia Environmental Protection Division closed the pit where substances were converted in soil.  However, no further changes have been made.  The one thing both parties can agree on is the fact that nobody liked the smell nor do they wish it to happen again.

According to Center and Jackson, “What can and must be managed is the response,” (319).  Philip Services did a pretty good job in garnering a response to residents of the community.  Panic is never good in times of crisis, although that is what people often do.  They used good channels of communication to respond to the smell such as the federal health officials and activists for Lou Gehrig’s disease.  People believe those they can trust and experts are an excellent medium of communication.

Sources:
Atlanta Journal Constitution: “Neighbors: Plan fails smell test,” Oct. 20
Center, Allen H., and Patrick Jackson. Public Relations Practiced Managerial Case Studies and Problems. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. P 319.

Newsworthy? I think not.

Lately is seems you can’t turn on the TV or read a newspaper without seeing Governor Sarah Palin.  This makes perfect sense as the election today.  However, rather than focusing on the important topics, media coverage as been extremely concerned with Gov. Palin’s wardrobe.  Reports have shown the Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 to dress, accessorize and maintain Palin and her family’s appearance.  So why are the media choosing to focus on this rather than the issues?  It seems unfair for Gov. Palin to be under the fire for wardrobe.

Just the other day I was channel surfing looking for something to watch.  I noticed both E News and Entertainment Tonight were both doing segments on Gov. Palin’s wardrobe.  They would flash a picture of her in a red Oscar de la Renta suit showing the exorbitant price.  One program even went as far as showing alternative options to Palin’s wardrobe and how you could dress like her for less.  I found this to be crazy.  The election was less than two weeks away and these programs were focused on her clothing.  I know neither of these programs would be considered hard news but still I found it shocking.

News mediums like that aren’t the only ones fixated on the cost of her wardrobe.  The Atlanta Journal Constitution, USA Today and The New York Times are just a few publications to name that all ran stories on this event.  Even many magazines contained features with countless pictures and bargain comparisons.
In terms of media relations, I believe the media is at fault here.  They are focusing on something that should not be an issue.  Nobody is running stories or fixated with Barack Obama, Joe Biden or John McCain’s wardrobe.  These three men all wear nice tailored suits. I am sure theirs don’t come from the Men’s Warehouse, but nobody is talking about their clothes, cuff lengths or fine watches.

The media are the ones who glamorize celebrities so much.  The paparazzi stalk them and you’re constantly hearing about run-ins between celebs and the paparazzi.  Celebrities can afford nice clothes and they have been glamorized and idolized by the media so much the people often feel inadequate if they don’t have nice things like the celebs. Sarah Palin has been thrown into star status almost overnight with the nominee of vice president by McCain.  You could argue that the media was at fault for Gov. Palin’s expensive wardrobe and upkeep.

According to Center and Jackson, “The media concentrate on reporting bad news-the errors, accidents and scandals of human society,” (p 206).  In this case it’s not so much bad news but more a judgment error in what is newsworthy.  It’s their duty to judge what is newsworthy and worth the American peoples time.  Judging the cost of a wardrobe is far less important than the issues of the presidential and vice presidential candidates.  In a time of such and economic crisis and financial insecurity the media should focus on more important things not heighten a trivial circumstance.

Furry friends and seniors

Maintaining positive relations with the community in which your organization operates is pertinent to survival is the business world.  In regards to public relations, Center and Jackson define community relations as “an institution’s planned, active, and continuing participations within a community to maintain and enhance its environment to the benefit of both the institution and the community,” (p 70).  The Silverado Senior Living Aspen Park Community in Salt Lake City is an excellent example of an organization being both active and proactive in its endeavors in community relations.

“It’s a ‘roo’ awakening at senior-living centers” was an article found in the Atlanta Journal Constitution in early September.  The article discusses the benefits of having animals living at Silverado Senior Living Aspen Park Community.  Animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, birds and even a kangaroo have become “resident pets” or “community pets” at the facility.  Silverado operates some 17 facilities all having live pets.  The article discusses the tremendous benefits community pets have on the individuals living at the Silverado facilities.  A few benefits include helping relax agitated residents as well as reducing helplessness, loneliness and boredom. The kangaroo is very special.  She is on loan to the facility for a few months. She is young and rambunctious which spark reactions and conversations among the residents.  Pets also make residents feel more at home in their new environment.

The truly interesting part of this whole idea of pets living at elderly facilities is that Silverado rescues pets.  All most all of the animals that call Silverado their home have been adopted at local animal shelters.  This is community relations at its finest.  Most shelter pets are either adopted or put down.  Silverado works to help improve two sets of lives, its residents and the pets.  Silverado is doing a great thing by saving these animals lives.  The whole goal of an organization like this is to keep its residents happy and healthy.  They house the family of the local community in which they operate.  Studies have shown that animals greatly aid in the health and happiness of elderly people.  Silverado’s facility is most definitely achieving this.

Center and Jackson also state that “Employee volunteerism has so many serendipitous benefits,” (p73).  At Silverado’s facilities employees are encouraged to bring their own pets into work.  This allows the employees to engage with residents on a more personal level.  By bringing in a member of their ‘family’ they can connect with residents more deeply making their pet and a resident happy.  Center and Jackson also state that “People trust people, so turning employees into ambassadors within the community is an effective way to be known, spread goodwill, and develop relationships, (p 73).  Silverado is able to do this very effectively.  By saving local shelter animals they have and maintain a positive reputation in the communities in which they operate.

Sources
Atlanta Journal Constitution. “It’s a ‘roo’ awakening at senior-living centers. Sept. 2.

Center, Allen H., and Patrick Jackson. Public Relations Practiced Managerial Case Studies and Problems. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. 7

Small college consumer relations

The most important public to any organization is its customers, because without loyal customers your business will be a bust.  Organizations must attract and build continuing relationships with them. (p163). In the past, organizations sold products and services based on consumer needs, but today that has shifted from need to want.  Our desired wants have become needs and a person will go to great lengths to satisfy their needs.

Twenty years ago attending college wasn’t for everyone.  People got good jobs without a degree from a prestigious university.  However, higher education has become highly valued and it’s almost impossible to get a job with substantial security, income and benefits.

For parents and youth the choice of a college can be a very tough decision.  People assess the choice based on various factors such as tuition, scholarships, size, activities and involvement, location and so much more. In an article found in the Atlanta Journal Constitution this past Monday titled, “Take second look at small college” President Lawrence M. Schall of Oglethorpe University encourages parents and students entering college to consider small colleges.

According to Center and Jackson, in regards to consumer relations, “people want to be served, not sold,” (p165).  In the article, Schall discusses all aspects of a college experience at Oglethorpe University. He discusses the cost of tuition which is $25,000 a year.  However he explains that 90% of students receive some type of aid reducing tuition to around $12,000.  He goes on to talk about class size and interaction among students, staff and employees.  He says students are in a class of 12 or so and get special attention as opposed to being in a class at a large university of 300 or more.  The intimate atmosphere is a great setting for students to talk and get to know their professors.  Schall is selling the idea of a small college in the idea that you’re a name not just a number.  However, he goes further to show a small college really serves its customers.

Schall also gives his experiences on the college hunt.  He has four children, two of which who have been through college.  Both children attended “brand name” universities. His son attended a large out-of-state university and Schall says they fell like they missed an opportunity, because it took his son three years to really engage and grasp his education.  He sells the idea of a small college by saying that the small environment will allow students to grow and develop while they are in college, not after.  The environment of being a name and knowing people can truly help students get involved and find themselves.

I believe the president of Oglethorpe University did a good job in serving its customers.  His personal experience creates a connection with parents and put the prestigious president at the same level as any other concerned parent sending a child to college.  He creates a good argument and shows just how beneficial a small college can be to one.

Sources
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Monday, Oct. 20. A8.  Take second look at small college.
Center, Allen H., and Patrick Jackson. Public Relations Practiced Managerial Case Studies and Problems. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. 163-165

Ohio shooting puts face on mortgage meltdown

Ohio shooting puts face on mortgage meltdown

In an article this past Monday in the Atlanta Journal Constitution titled, Ohio shooting puts face on mortgage meltdown, an elderly woman shot herself in the chest because of the current crisis homeowners across the country are facing.   With review of the article, I will then discuss it in aspects of investor relations.

On Oct. 1, Polk shot herself in the chest.  Fortunately Polk survived the gunshot and is recovering.  Sadly, she would rather die than faces eviction.

Addie Polk, 90, resided in her two-story home for some 38 years. Her house was under foreclosure. “Polk took out a mortgage in 1997 and refinanced several times after that, court and property records showed.  Four years ago, when the house was appraised at $31,250, she took out a 30 year, 6.375 percent mortgage for $45,620” (A 4).  Obviously, the mortgage was worth more than the home’s value.

The foreclosure was reversed on Polk’s home and lenders commented that that the reversal was appropriate given the circumstances. But does this make sense?  If everyone starts shooting themselves and are lucky enough to survive will they be granted a reversal also?

Neighbors and friends visited Polk in the hospital and many had comments on what the women had done.  A neighbor remarked that it was sad that one had to shoot themselves in order to receive help during these hard times.

The economic crisis is affecting Americans from all walks of life.  The housing crisis in general is hitting many Americans hard.  Many Americans are forced out of their homes each day.  Polk is a prime example of just how deeply the crisis runs.  Investors everywhere are losing jobs, money and even their homes.

According to Center and Jackson growth, diversification, and expansion make up the goals that fuel ambition in terms of investor relations (119).  It would be unrealistic that every stakeholder would have a say in the decision making process so a small group of people ultimately decide decisions (119).  In Polk’s case, her mortgage was through Countrywide Home Loans, a major competitor in the market. The loan was basically a death sentence for Polk.  She owed more than here home was worth.

Center and Jackson also state that, “Given the realities, it should not be surprising that profit, and the power it brings, frequently lead to excesses, abuses, and corruption” (119).   Polk, like many other Americans, was a victim to the turmoil our economy was facing.  As a major contender, Countrywide, among many others, backed people into an unrealistic position.  Rather than lose her house, Polk was forced into signing something she couldn’t pay.

I feel that Americans are in a very unfortunate position.  Those that have over borrowed are now in a tough place with a large number losing their homes all together.  It’s sad to think that a woman was allowed to keep her home because she shot herself.  In my opinion, I think what has the world come to?

Sources
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Monday, Oct. 13. A4.  Ohio shooting puts face on mortgage    meltdown
Center, Allen H., and Patrick Jackson. Public Relations Practiced Managerial Case Studies and Problems. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. 119.

Crisis in New Orleans

This past week my public relations case studies and ethics class had a long discussion analyzing the effects of hurricane Katrina. The devastating hurricane struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005.  With predications, mandatory evacuations and sheer terror thousands of people still lost their lives.  This was a natural disaster that will forever define my generation.  It was a stopping point in history when people changed.

We looked at the storm though the community’s perspective as well as the plans for crisis management. This crisis was one of epic proportions but was it handled correctly.  Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will.  With this storm that was true.

There are five, very important, stages in crisis management. They are detection, prevention, preparation containment and recovery.

Detection, the first stage, is looking for prodromes. Warning signs were evident with Katrina.  The hurricane was being broadcast on every major news channel. At one point the hurricane reached the status of a category five hurricane.  The people of New Orleans were warned of the danger of the storm.  Sadly, many of them didn’t take the warning seriously.  Many residents had been through a storm of this magnitude before, such as hurricane Betsy in 1965.

Prevention, the second stage, is taking specific actions and being positive as well as proactive.  As this was a natural disaster, there was no real way to prevent such.  There were leeves throughout the city but it was uncertain if they would hold.

Preparation, the third stage, is exactly that.  In this case, the city of New Orleans being prepared and taking proper precautions in the event of such a crisis.  The city failed to be prepared in its preparation.  The levees were not finished in the city.  This is something I wasn’t aware of until watching a Spike Lee documentary on Katrina.  Also, there was a mandatory evacuation issued.  However, many residents were poverty stricken and had no means of transportation.  There were no buses or anything sent through the sent in efforts to evacuate residents.  The Superdome was also opened to shelter any residents who wanted to ride out the storm.  However food and water were extremely limited.  Days later people still didn’t have food or water.  People with medical conditions such as Diabetes needed Insulin and there was none. Wal-Mart came to the rescue and aid of citizens before the federal government.

Containment, the fourth stage, is trying to limit the duration of the crisis. Taking steps to keep the crisis from spreading.  Unfortunately, with this natural disaster there was no real way to contain the crisis.  As the water levels rose the situation worsened.  People were starving and began robbing any and every store for basic necessities only heightening the crime.

The last stage of crisis management is recovery.  This would be the city’s efforts to return to a sense of normalcy.  Sadly, three years later people are still living in overcrowded FEMA trailers.  Many have not rebuilt and some areas remain eerily the same. Studies and surveys have been conducted and surviving children are suffering from anxiety, depression, nightmares, headaches and so much more.  Parents are stricken with all their losses and have become unable to cope further hurting their children.

The entire nation watched as the city of New Orleans went through this terrible time.  This past August hurricane Gustav threatened the city once again.  However, they turned to scare tactics trying to get people to evacuate.  They put stragglers in the jail that refused to leave.  Although this seems like a bad idea it seemed to work as people fled the city. New Orleans next step needs to be rebuilding community centers.  Uniting the community and helping heal all those wounded by Katrina would be a positive step in helping to rebuild the lives of all those still hurting from the storm.

Community Relations and your local Walgreens

Community relations is a practice that should be at the heart of each and every organizations core values and goals.  It is a function of public relation that should be deemed as a top priority of any organization.  They organization must always be proactive in this department.  According to Public Relations Practices, community relations can be defined as “An institution’s planned active and continuing participation within a community to maintain and enhance its environment to the benefit of both the institution and the community” (Center & Jackson p70). Walgreens was founded in 1901 and over the past hundred years the chain has grown extensively.  Through many different programs Walgreens has proved to be an organization that care about the community and is proactive in its efforts.

Walgreens has instilled a health care service to travel all over touching the lives of people from all different types of communities. Walgreens Take Care Health Tour will travel across America and Puerto Rico delivering free health screenings. The tour will last 12 months and visit up to 300 cities according to the Walgreens website, (http://www.walgreens.comjsp).  There will be 10 customized education and health-screening vehicles that will travel up to 240,000 miles.  The tour will offer six free screenings including, body mass index, total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels and waist circumference. The screenings total to $115 in value and there is no appointment necessary.

By doing this program, Walgreens hopes to create better health awareness to the local communities the vehicles visits.  The hope to give around 1.5 million free health screenings, valued at over $35 million (http://www.walgreens.comjsp).  This program is the definition of community relations at its best.  Walgreens is giving back to communities across the country in a very big way.  By alerting people of health risks they have the potential to help save lives carrying the Walgreens brand name across the country.

Walgreens also has numerous other programs to help benefit the organization and the community.  Walgreens is an organization committed to help save lives.  Last year, they donated over one million dollars to charities of all types including $250,000 to treatment and cure of HIV/AIDS (http://www.walgreens.com/default.jsp).  Each donation is made to a specific charity or area of research helping to find preventions and cures of illness that plaque Americans.

Walgreens also allows customers to get involved and make a difference in their community right from their local Walgreens.  Customers are encouraged to donate one dollar to aid the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Walgreens is also proactive the classroom.  Walgreens employees prepare and give presentations to high school students teaching them about a career path in pharmacy or retail.  They talk about the benefits and teach kids how to get started as well talking about scholarship opportunities.  According to Center and Jackson, “Employee voluntarism has so many serendipitous benefits,” (p73).  Kids in the school may recognize their local Walgreens pharmacist or retail employee and become more motivated to achieve something great.  Children are the future and Walgreens is recognizing that teaching them about a future career path.

Walgreens is a company who is successfully achieving all aspects of its community relations.  With health tours, charity and classroom visits the employees of Walgreens are continuing a proactive stride within their communities.

Source:
Center, Allen H., and Patrick Jackson. Public Relations Practiced Managerial Case Studies and Problems. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. 70-73.

Public Relations Surrounds 60th Annual Emmy Awards

On Sunday, September 21, the 60^th annual Emmy Awards aired on abc prime time. The awards were held at the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Public Relations practices are prevalent through so many aspects of the Emmy Awards. Planning, announcements, pre-shows, the red carpet, and after parties all contain functions and issues dealing with Public Relations. However, the most interactive form of public relations taking place is social media, allowing anybody in the word to engage in all aspects of the Emmy’s.

Multiple press releases are sent out alerting the media of any news pertaining to the Emmy Awards. General information on date, time and location are the first to be released. Press releases were also issued announcing both the nominees and the winners of the 2008 Emmy’s.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has its own publication. The publication is a magazine titled “emmy”. The magazine keeps viewers and fans in the know about everything that is the Emmy’s.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences also sponsors many events throughout the year. Some of which are open to the public. Press Releases are distributed containing information to be released to the press. Event planners coordinate the event dealing with community relations. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences sponsors their Annual Celebrity Golf Classic. The practitioner involved is responsible for maintained good relations with the golf course and its members as well as planning in the event of a crisis. If it were to rain, it would be there job to have a plan of action and implement it in the time of need.

E! News televised live from the red carpet before the awards ceremony hosting many activities. One in particular was a women talking about the jewelry she anticipated all the popular celebrities would be wearing. She was discussing the season’s upcoming trends in everything from earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and so much more. During the few minutes she was on television she would mention names of designers, giving them free publicity.

Walking the infamous red carpet is a prestigious event. Celebrities often spend weeks in advance planning their arrival, hair, makeup, outfit, date and so much more. Celebrities often bring their publicist with them while walking the red carpet. Media outlets of all sorts show up to the event to try and get interviews with celebrities. The publicist walks with them to monitor questions and maintain a positive reputation of their client.

The celebrities themselves act as publicist for the designer duds they are wearing. If a celebrity is named best-dressed the designer of their outfit will receive huge recognition and publicity in the 20 minutes or so the celebrity is seen and photographed. Many young and upcoming designers have received a huge career boost from successful award show appearances.

Although the Emmy Awards are old in tradition the internet allows people from all over the world to engage and share with the world. The internet allows viewers, fans or critics to engage in social media. Blogs of all types have been written assessing everything from opinions on winners and losers, and fashion. E! News has video interviews, photos of celebrities as well as blogs addressing anything and everything. Dealing with anything Hollywood will always be surrounded by the practices and functions of public relations.

Public Relations Functions in Small Community Festival

Hiawassee is a tiny town nestled in the north Georgia Mountains. Just this past weekend a big event took place attracting people from all across the state. The Towns County Chamber of Commerce and Department of Tourism hosted their first annual festival, An Affair with the Arts. As a volunteer, I had the privilege of working this event September 12, 13, and 14. There were around 50 artists, 10 food vendors, and five non-profit organizations that all had spaces at the community celebration.

As a student of public relations I couldn’t help but work this event and assess the practices of public relations that were used. Through the initial stages of planning, advertising as well as the actual festival itself, multiple functions of public relations unfolded before my eyes.

The first function of public relations I began to see was publicity. The small town is full of retirees and million dollar cabins. Located on a lake, it is the perfect getaway for vacationers as well as a great town to purchase a second home in. The Towns County Department of Tourism worked extensively in their attempts to attract people from all across the state of Georgia as well as North Carolina. They hoped to attract people to the city and open all attendee’s eyes to all the wonderful possibilities Hiawassee has to offer. They succeeded. With almost 3,000 in attendance at the festival the tiny city was busting at the seams. Not only was the festival a hit, but the local lodges and hotels were full of tourists. Local businesses were booming as well.

The function of community relations was also demonstrated in many aspects. The “Kiss Committee” contacted the mayor of Hiawassee and addressed the issue of traffic control. The streets around the town’s square were able to be shut down upon her approval. The festival also recognized her on the first day of the festival allowing her to welcome everyone to the city and open the first annual festival. Shuttles were also stationed driving visitors to alternate parking as well as shopping at local businesses. Businesses were also contacted and extra space was given for parking. It was interesting to see the relationship among the people of this small town. Everyone was very excited and eager to help in any way possible.

The next function of public relations I began to notice was the event planning that took place weeks before the actual festival. A small committee of around 12 met once a week for three months working tirelessly to get the festival on its way. They did everything from advertising, recruiting, contacting city officials, hiring multiple entertainers and mapping out the layout of the vendors.

During a committee meeting, a member took the role as a crisis management facilitator. Watching the weather that morning, she realized heavy winds were in advisory due to a hurricane. They woman created a plan of action as to how and handle the situation if the wind were to get out of hand. Each member went from tent to tent alerting each vendor of the potential threat and to be cautious of the art work hanging in their tent as the wind was suppose to reach speeds upwards of 35 miles per hour.

With the event being such a huge success, the members announced the dates of the festival of 2009. Although there was not a public relations practitioner, the practices of the profession were evident throughout the entire process. With superior execution, the committee was able to pull of the community celebration they had dreamed of following practices of public relations.