Fall '08

2008-07-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Digital Discipline:
Writing & Media Relations 411
Boot Camp for Jr. Execs and Entrepreneurs
Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1 - Manhattan

NEW YORK, NY, Fall 2008 – To strengthen writing and media relations skills of junior executives, entrepreneurs and "for impact" groups, the Black Public Relations Society-New York (BPRSNY) offers a FREE 3-part Fall Boot Camp for new members.

Digital Discipline: Writing & Media Relations 411 is included in the $50 annual membership fee ($35 - students); for learners who only want the Boot Camp, tuition is $99. Working professionals, marketers, artists and representatives from community based organizations are encouraged to join BPRSNY and attend the informative sessions, Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1 (Wednesdays, 6 - 8 PM) at Burson-Marsteller, 230 Park Avenue South in Manhattan. Visit www.BPRSNY.org; print a membership form and send with annual dues to BPRSNY, c/o Burson-Marsteller; address above.

At the Boot Camp–also a valuable networking opportunity–new members will receive e-tip sheets, media worksheets, personal consults and participate in real-time exercises to refine critical thinking and communications skills. Boot Camp topics and future include: Entertainment PR, Writing for the Web, Media Relations, EPKs (electronic press kits), Podcasts / Video, Talent and Artist Relations, Travel Publicity, Government Relations, Conference Management, Event Planning, Personal Branding & Reputation Management, SEO (search engine optimization), Maximizing Social Networks, Crisis and Emergency Communications, Investor Relations and Tax / Accounting Tips for Freelancers and Small Businesses.

BPRSNY Boot Camp “Drill Sergeants” are Renee Foster (Co-President) and Lynne Scott Jackson (VP Programs & Membership) who run their own consulting firms (Renegade Public Relations and Millynneum Inc.) and will speed your understanding and proficiency with fresh technologies so your business won’t wither on the vine. Each teach professionally and have decades of experience in the entertainment, corporate communications, marketing and advertising arenas; clients include Colgate-Palmolive Company, South Africa Tourism and The Prostate Net, among others.

This “been there, done that well expertise” is offered at a fraction of rates charged by other leading industry groups and driven by the BPRSNY mission—mentorship! The boot camp also includes presentations from (partial list) BPRSNY VP Diversity & Events Michael Millis, MX2 Media; Director of Membership Kimberlee Bradshaw, CPJ Communications; Co-President Gordon Balkcom, PR Practitioner; and Visual Historian Gerald Peart, photographer, who will share insight on special events, effective networking, corporate / investor / community relations and digital imaging.

About BPRSNY >> Connect >> Communicate >> Collaborate

The Black Public Relations Society of Greater New York (BPRSNY) is a 501 c (3) nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to the professional development of African-American and multiethnic public relations practitioners throughout the tri-state area. Also known as “Beepers NY,” the organization includes diverse talent from corporate America, leadership groups, government, public policy, entertainment and arts institutions. Membership is open to all and includes executives and entrepreneurs from the US and abroad; Contact: www.BPRSNY.org, president@bprsny.org or 212.614.4599.

BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

Renee Foster
BPRSNY Co-President
renegadepr2000@yahoo.com

With community and culture as her twin passions, Renee began her career in a newsroom. Having learned the fundamentals of journalism what is newsworthy and the perfect "pitch," Renee segued into the record industry working in the Media Relations department of MCA Records. After her sting at MCA, Andre Harrell selected her as the first Director of Communications for Uptown Records and Management. Ms. Foster founded her independent practice Renegade Public Relations in 1994. By focusing on arts, entertainment and lifestyle PR, she has built a practice that reflects current trends, community based initiatives and popular culture.

Lynne Scott Jackson
BPRSNY VP Programs & Membership
millynneum@aol.com

Lynne heads Millynneum Inc., a New York marketing, media and public affairs practice founded in 1997. She conceives strategies for clients such as South African Tourism, The Prostate Net and Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures(TM), a corporate social responsibility program serving more than 50 million youth and their families in 80 countries. Prior to Millynneum, she was PR Director at UniWorld Group and Account Manager at Hill and Knowlton. Lynne has a BA in Journalism from Howard University's John H. Johnson School of Communications, receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award. She is Distinguished Lecturer at The City College of New York (CUNY) and adjunct instructor at New York University, teaching business/PR writing, media relations and corporate communications. Craigslist Foundation's New York Nonprofit Bootcamp and other "for impact" groups benefit from her counsel and expertise.

Gordon Balkcom
BPRSNY Co-President
gbalk@aol.com

Gordon has served as Account Manager at Barfield Public Relations a Manhattan-based concern. He contributes over 13 years of professional communications and technical experience in media placement, promotion of nonprofit programs, media buys and coordinating influential stakeholders for community-based projects. Before joining Barfield in 2000, Gordon served as Public Relations Director Central Brooklyn Partnership and PR consultant for Soothe-A-Foot, Inc. and Unlimited Creative Enterprises. Gordon has a Public Relations Studies Certificate from New York University's School for Continuing Education and Professional Studies, and a BA degree in Communication Arts from Hofstra University. He has been honored by BPRSNY and the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS).

Mike Millis
BPRSNY VP Special Events & Diversity
michael_millis@msn.com

A Brooklyn native, Mike is President & CEO of MX2 Design force, formally known as MX2 Media. His company designs, produces and coordinates special events. Prior to starting his own business, Mike was on the editorial staff of Back Stage, New York's performing arts weekly, for which he not only wrote, but also assisted in the production of the publication's annual award shows, trade shows, and industry workshops. During New York City's campaign to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, he was a event production volunteer with NYC2012. Mike carries a degree in journalism (broadcast communication) and a certificate in sports, entertainment and events marketing, both from New York University. He has been named a 2008 Business Visionary by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Kimberlee "Kim" Bradshaw
BPRSNY Membership Director
kbradshaw@cjpcom.com

Kim is currently account supervisor in the New York Office of CJP Communications. Her key responsibilities include media relations and strategy, and corporate brand positioning. She is a proven professional in securing top-tier placements for clients in national, trad, broadcast, digital and business media. Prior to working for CJP Communications, Kim was a Senior Account Executive at Hill & Knowlton where she worked on corporate clients like Deloitte, HSBC, MCI, Peabody Energy and the National urban League. She joined Hill & Knowton from Edelman, where as an Account Executive in the Financial communications proactice she worked on the Coors and Molson merger and the China Netcom IPO. Kim is also a member of the International Radio and Television Society, the New York Association of Black Journalists, the Public Relations Society of America and the New York Urban League.

Gerald Peart
BPRSNY Visual Historian
geefoto@aol.com

Gerald is a self taught professional photographer specializing in Public Relations and Event Photography. With 20 years of service to his credit, Gerald's keen eye for detail and a passion for his craft has allowed him to capture digital and traditional images through his lens -- from Who's Who in the board room to center stage. By specializing in Public Relations and Event Photography, Gerald has developed talents and skills that enable him to compete and adapt in changing markets. And for this, he has been rewarded by covering assignments on the international stage from Jamaica to Nigeria and Brazil. Public Relations and Event Photography has given Gerald a better understanding of the industry and agency executives' need to promote their "Brand." Always eager to share his time and talents, Gerald frequently mentors young people interested in artistic careers, inspiring them to follow their passion while lending focus to their dreams.