Naming is one of the hardest steps in creating a brand. Names are the most durable, unchanging element of products, services or companies. They are the center of all marketing activities. When they are good, they articulate the essence of your product or service and position you positively with your target audience. When done poorly, they are forgettable and fail to establish the unique position of your offering.

In this seminar, Lisa Merriam, author of Merriam’s Guide to Naming, and brand consultant to Fortune 500 multinationals will talk about:
* trends and what makes a name good or bad
* how names fit with your existing name architecture
* the different types of names
* common pitfalls
* the naming and evaluation process

Seating is limited so you must pre-register to attend! Click here to pre-register.

Coffee and pastries will be provided.

WHEN
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE
Rancho Santiago Community College District
Conference Room 114
2323 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92706

FEE
IABC-OC Members: Complimentary
Guests: $15.00
Students: $10.00

Storytelling is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, from conference headliners to executives in staff meetings. Yet, few know how to construct a compelling story and then tell stories so they captivate and connect. This talk invites you to learn about the tools needed to empower the spokespeople of an organization with storytelling that is able to transform hearts and minds. We will discuss:

-Why story and why now? The role of storytellers in a time of transformation
-The magic key to delivering a story that enchants an audience
-Effective tricks for turning spreadsheet-wielding speakers into mythical heroes

When: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Scott’s Seafood, 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1806

Click here to RSVP before May 8th

About Kate Peters

Kate Peters has taught voice and communication impact for over 30 years, and is the author of the book, “Can You Hear Me Now?” In addition, she has been the communications trainer for executives at companies such as Cisco, Hyperion Solutions, Disney, Boeing, CA, British Petroleum, Invensys, First American, and Nissan. She is a coach for speakers at TEDMED, and has been a featured speaker herself with organizations such as Women in Business, NAFE, E-Women, Rotary, The UCLA Alumni Association, CASE, and IABC, and a guest on the KNX Business Hour. Her blog, Kate’s Voice, is among the top 100 public speaking blogs in the US.

Kate stays active as a performing artist. Her recordings include, Sojourn, an album of contemporary songs and Musical Stories, an album of American songs in the classical style, with composer/pianist Edward Barnes, In 2010, she released Christmas Caravan, a project that uses a combination of various musical styles augmented with ethnic instruments to celebrate diversity.

Earn more accolades for your great communications work by entering the IABC Pacific Plains Silver Quill Awards today! This competition provides the perfect opportunity to receive a stamp of approval for your best work, to get more bling for your bucks, and to impress your clients and colleagues.

Also, you can double your ROI and maximize your exposure among regional colleagues by simply repackaging your other Gold Quill or local chapter Quill entry and submitting it for the Silver Quill Awards as well.

Start planning now. Early bird deadline is Friday, May 11th, and the final deadline is Friday, May 25th.

Visit pacificplains.iabc.com for the Silver Quill scoop, including the 2012 Silver Quill Call for Entries brochure with all the information you need. The IABC Pacific Plains Region embraces 20 IABC chapters in 19 states from Illinois to Hawaii. The Region supports chapter leaders and members with resources and professional development opportunities.

If your professional goals include expanding your professional network or skill set, look to IABC/OC to make connections with our industry’s top communicators and find meaningful opportunities to grow your professional acumen. We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Events: Join the IABC/OC event-planning committee to help celebrate the chapter’s 35th anniversary in 2012, as well as coordinate other planned events. This committee is a great first step toward getting more involved with IABC as you’ll work to showcase the chapter’s offerings and celebrate members in honor of the 35th anniversary milestone.

Social Media: Support IABC’s efforts to spread the word about our great services and programming through social media avenues. We primarily need volunteers to help with managing Facebook updates and updating the chapter’s LinkedIn page.

Finance: Help our finance committee by tracking the chapter’s budget expenditures and keeping our financial administrative processes on task.

Corporate Memberships: Join our Corporate Membership committee to help organize outreach to OC companies. If you’re looking for a short-term commitment, we need volunteers who can help with phone calls during membership months, which happen twice per year.

IABC/OC Board – Vice President of Education/Student Outreach: Serving on the IABC/OC board is a great way to expand your involvement in IABC and the Orange County communications industry. And, we make it easy to participate, often combining board positions so that our members can share tasks and better manage their involvement. We are looking for board-level leadership in the area of Education/Student Outreach. This position serves as a liaison to the IABC/OC student chapter.

To get involved, get more information on volunteering or share your accomplishment, please contact IABC/OC Co-VPs of Leadership Development:

Lisa Falcetti
714.918.8228
lfalcetti@golinharris.com

Denise Keddy
949.500.5334
denisemkeddy@gmail.com

In late 2011, John Wayne Airport unveiled a new terminal after a multi-year $550 million expansion and renovation project. With air travel down, how do you inform and engage airlines, business owners and passengers–and ensure they stay on your radar screen?

Jenny Wedge, who leads the airport’s communications activities and serves as the Public Information Officer, will join us and discuss the challenges (and successes) of developing and implementing this public information campaign.

On April 10, you will learn:
• Goals and objectives of the communications plan
• Strategies and tactics implemented
• Challenges of balancing the airport’s needs and the public’s need to know
• Evaluation of outcomes and lessons learned

Jenny’s presentation is a valuable case study on communicating with a wide range of stakeholders—and a topic close to home for OC communicators and travelers alike.
We look forward to seeing you on April 10!

Please click here to RSVP before April 10th

About Our Speaker

Jenny Wedge is the Manager of Public Relations and Public Information Officer for John Wayne Airport – the county’s only commercial service airport. Her main responsibilities involve maintaining relationships and providing information to the media and speaking on behalf of John Wayne Airport in routine and crisis situations. She also manages public relations for the Airport, including JWA’s $543 million Capital Improvement Program.

Ms. Wedge joined John Wayne Airport in 2005 after spending six years in the Communications Department at the Orange County Water District. In that capacity, she was responsible for media and community relations and dedicated a significant amount of time to public outreach for the Groundwater Replenishment System – one of the world’s largest water reuse projects.

Ms. Wedge is a member of the Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton.

Read about Claudia in this spotlight and discover how her personal theme, “Give it everything you’ve got and you can’t help but succeed” helped her quarterback the chapter to its International Mid-Size Chapter of the Year win.

JOB TITLE: Owner/Graphic Designer
COMPANY: Adirections
IABC Member Since: 1987

ABOUT ME
1. Birthplace: Long Beach, California

2. Current residence: Fullerton, California

3. Who inspires you? (family, famous or anyone): I’m inspired by anyone who strives to succeed against the odds. For example, Chris Gardner, the father played by Will Smith in Pursuit of Happyness, struggled to take care of his son and secure a good job despite being homeless. I’m also forever awed by the accomplishments of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who founded the Woman Suffrage Association.
It may sound odd, but I found inspiration in the 1950s cartoon character, Mighty Mouse. Even though he was small, he always triumphed against the odds. Mighty Mouse actually taught me about perseverance and empowerment. When I was preparing to go into business for myself, someone told me that it’s a hard world and I didn’t have what it takes to make it. Instead of defeating me, it actually strengthened my resolve to become a thriving freelancer.

4. What’s your personal theme? Passion is a recurring theme in my life. I truly believe that people are capable of reaching some amazing goals if they are willing to pursue them passionately, with determination and excellence. Give it everything you’ve got and you can’t help but succeed.

5. You, after hours (hobbies, pastimes, obsessions): I eat, sleep and breathe design so I don’t have time for much else. I love finding the design in everything around me. My son and I have fun naming the fonts in movie credits. We spend the first ten minutes at a restaurant critiquing the menu design before we even look at the food options on it. Speaking of food, I do love to cook—and I love to eat even more.

Though design is my passion, my grandson, Aidan, is the light of my life. I get to experience the best parts of childhood and become a kid again when I’m with him. I could be a professional grandma.

YOUR CAREER
1. One of my great successes was when: IABC/OC’s name was called as the winner of the International Mid-Size Chapter of the Year. Our chapter last won this award in 1989. I was so proud and honored to have led such an incredible board to achieve this award.

2. If I had it to do over: I would still pursue a design career. Design helps communication be more easily understood and can inspire passion for that communication. I know this is an overused example, but look at what Apple has accomplished through the strategic use of design.

3. What would you tell someone entering the field today? Find good mentors —and you can find a lot of them by joining IABC. There are so many knowledgeable and interesting people here.

4. The moment it clicked: The moment when I first “got it” about my role in communications.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a designer, but I really got that it could be a career when I was working in my father’s print shop. I freelanced on the side—actually got paid for something I loved to do! Then I joined IABC, and my career really took off. Honestly—I’m not just saying that for this spotlight!

5. The Orange County chapter of IABC is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. What is the most significant benefit you’ve gained through your involvement with the chapter? There’s not just one thing. I’ve gained a career, friends, knowledge and gratification.

• Expert Planner Or Want to Expand Your Planning Skills? Join the IABC/OC event-planning committee to help celebrate the chapter’s 35th anniversary in 2012, as well as coordinate other planned events. This committee is a great first step toward getting more involved with IABC as you’ll work to showcase the chapter’s offerings and celebrate members in honor of the 35th anniversary milestone.

• Social Media Guru Or Want to Learn More About Social Media? Support IABC’s efforts to spread the word about our great services and programming through social media avenues. We primarily need volunteers to help with managing Facebook updates.

• Love Numbers Or Want to be a Communicator who Knows Numbers? Help our finance committee by tracking the chapter’s budget expenditures and keeping our financial administrative processes on task.

• Great Sales Person Or Want to Make More Business Connections in OC? Join our Sponsorship or Corporate Membership committees to help organize outreach to OC companies. If you’re looking for a short-term commitment, we need volunteers who can help with phone calls during membership months, which happen twice per year. (We are actively seeking volunteers in this area for February/March.)

• Natural-Born Leader Or Want to Expand Your Leadership Skills? Serving on the IABC/OC board is a great way to expand your involvement in IABC and the Orange County communications industry. And, we make it easy to participate, often combining board positions so that our members can share tasks and better manage their involvement. We are looking for board-level leadership in the area of sponsorship development, and this position could be shared by two people.

Members: Tell us About Your Professional Achievement or Special Talent
We have created a special place on the IABC/OC website to highlight the professional accomplishments and unique communications work of our members. Just completed a new communications campaign? Publishing a book? Presenting a keynote at a conference? Let us know and we’ll showcase your special accomplishment or communications campaign to fellow members on OC.IABC.com. Please see contact information below for submissions and send us 2-3 sentences on your highlighted work.

To get involved, get more information on volunteering or share your accomplishment, please contact IABC/OC Co-VPs of Leadership Development:

Lisa Falcetti
714.918.8228
lfalcetti@golinharris.com

Denise Keddy
949.500.5334
denisemkeddy@gmail.com

IABC’s chapter management awards recognize the leadership abilities, management skills, creativity and teamwork of outstanding volunteer chapter leaders worldwide. Awards are presented in three divisions – small, mid-size and large chapters. Within those divisions are eight categories: branding, membership marketing, professional development, financial management, leadership development, communication, community involvement and student involvement.

I am sure I can speak for the entire membership in that we are thankful to our entire Board, especially our chapter’s past president, for all of their hard work and dedication. In addition to celebrating our 35th anniversary this year, this award shows our continued commitment to best practices and high standards.

And, we thank all of you for helping us achieve these awards. Our members are what make our chapter unique and a true success. We will be sending out a member survey later this month to elicit additional ways in which we can be a valuable asset to our members. In the meantime, please let me, or any of our Board members, know if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Nicole Peddy
IABC/OC Chapter President

To coincide with our March 13th Second Tuesday Luncheon, “The Latest Trends with LinkedIn: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead,” update your personal/professional brand with a discounted photo session with photographer David Moyle.

For only $30 attendees will receive a discounted, 10-minute photo session and receive low-resolution jpegs of all shots taken, as well as two retouched, high-resolution images fit for print up to 24×36 inches in size.

Sittings are limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Theresa Dreike at tdreike@gmail.com or 310-930-1104 to schedule your session. Sessions will be before and after the luncheon, but remember this is a limited offer.

Learn more about David and his photography style by visiting his special page for the IABC/OC offer. Please bring cash or check payable to David Moyle.

Join us on March 13th as we learn the ins and outs of how to maximize LinkedIn — the number-one social media site for business. We will explore the most effective ways to market to your customers, expand your business network, and develop your personal and professional brand.

A sought-after speaker and LinkedIn trainer, Chuck Hester is a LinkedIn Power Connector with more than 11,000 direct connections.
Learn how to tap into the power of LinkedIn at IABC/OC’s lunchtime bootcamp!

Please RSVP before Tuesday, March 13, 2012. We hope to see you there!

Where
Scott’s Seafood
3300 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1806 USA

About Our Speaker
Chuck Hester is the managing partner of Chuck Hester Enterprises, providing public relations, branding and social marketing consulting to companies and organizations worldwide. In addition to traditional PR/marketing consulting, he also conducts LinkedIn bootcamps for his clients, teaching them how to tap into the power of LinkedIn. His use of LinkedIn has been covered in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fast Company and American Express Open Forum.