by Steve Higgins, IABC/Tulsa President

I hope many of you were able to take part in this year’s Bronze Quill event at the Tulsa Press Club downtown.

Thanks to event co-chairs Tom Droege and Stephanie Cole, this fun evening gave us a chance to recognize the finest of Tulsa’s professional communications work while enjoying some tasty barbecue and refreshments.

This year’s event also marks the continuation of a great partnership we’ve been creating with the Tulsa Press Club.

For the past two years, the Tulsa chapters of IABC and PRSA have joined with the Press Club to present OkieSMart: The Art of Social Media. This collaborative effort has been a major hit both years and I fully expect it to return in 2011.

As part of the Atlas Life building’s transition to the Marriott Courtyard hotel, the Press Club unveiled a fabulous renovation this summer, which was a big selling point in our decision to stage the Bronze Quills there.

Now, the Tulsa Press Club is making a special offer to IABC/Tulsa members. Through Nov. 30, IABC/Tulsa members who join the Press Club will have their joining fee waived.

I’ve been a member for years, and can vouch for the quality of its programs. Also, it’s just a comfortable, convenient meeting spot for social or business occasions.

Each month, IABC/Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet A Member” section of the newsletter. In this issue, we learn more about Robin McCasland, who is the featured speaker for our November luncheon. While Robin is not an IABC/Tulsa member, but she’s well-known among the IABC International crowd, where she’s just finished a term as the chair of the IABC Research Foundation. We’re excited to have this native Texan travel north of the Red River to speak to Oklahoma’s finest communications professionals.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve had quite an “IABC career.” How long have you been a member?
Robin: It’s been nearly 19 years – hard to believe.

IABC/Tulsa: What leadership roles have you held during that time?
Robin: I just finished a term as chair of the IABC Research Foundation. I served a consecutive term on the IABC executive board. A few years ago, I was a member of the Southern Region board. And, I was president of the Dallas chapter in 2001 and the Fort Worth chapter in 1994-95.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve probably attended some great conferences and seminars?
Robin: Yes, I have. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to name my favorite. If I have to single out one, though, it would have to be the first international conference I attended in Chicago in 1993. I can’t even tell you who the speakers were, but I remember that I got “bit” with the passion for IABC and it motivated me to do so much more with my career.

IABC/Tulsa: How has IABC played a part in your professional development?
Robin: Some of the best jobs I’ve had came about because an IABC buddy recommended me, or recommended that I apply. Recently, I’ve met new clients because of IABC speaking opportunities. The leadership development roles have been phenomenal. I’ve met so many wonderful IABC colleagues around the world. I met some of my closest friends through IABC – people with whom I will be connected for the rest of my life.

The important thing to remember is that you get of IABC what you put into it. Having a membership isn’t enough. It’s when you volunteer; take on leadership roles, etc., that you can demonstrate your skills and experience. Eventually, those volunteer leadership roles pay off with job and client opportunities.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve just started your own business, right?
Robin: That’s right – Brain Biscuits Strategic Communication. I love having my own practice. I work primarily on the things I love…strategy, employer branding, employee engagement, event planning…and some writing. I love working with a variety of different companies, and I’m happy when THEY’RE happy because the strategies we implement work like they should. I love the freedom of setting my own schedule. And…I admit…I sometimes like working in my robe and bunny slippers!

IABC/Tulsa: When you’re not working or serving IABC, what do you like to do?
Robin: I can’t just sit still or choose just one thing to do for fun! I am a shopaholic, and Dallas is a great place for shopping. I love gardening; digging in the dirt is my personal time with nature and God. I also enjoy creative pursuits – painting, playing piano, interior design.

IABC/Tulsa: Rumor has it that you’re a huge college football fan?
Robin: I love, love, love college football season! I am a graduate of UT Austin (don’t hiss, OU and OSU grads…you know I love ya!). I attend most Texas home games and bowl games.

IABC/Tulsa: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Robin: So far, it is Maui. On one day during our vacation, I was standing high on a hill in the middle of a pineapple field, I think! My hubby and I looked around…wind in our faces…sun going down…Pacific waves crashing on the rocks below us…and I realized how small we are…how insignificant…and how magnificent it was to stand there at that moment. It was as if a huge weight came off my shoulders. The universe is so much bigger than we are. Life is good…and we’re not responsible for taking on EVERYTHING that comes our way in life.

With that said, I have wanted to see Australia for years. I’m hoping to get there in the next year or two!

IABC/Tulsa: Favorite movie?
Robin: “The Natural,” starring Robert Redford. I’m not even a big baseball fan! However, this movie features so much symbolism…good triumphing over evil. Doing the right thing. Karma. Making a stellar comeback against all odds. Reconnecting with lost love and family you didn’t even know you had. And besides, Redford was easy on the blinkers.

IABC/Tulsa: Favorite restaurant? 
Robin: I don’t have one! There are so many great places in this country. I like local mom-and-pop dives as much as five-star palaces. However, being a native Austinite, I have to call out three places that I love to visit when I’m in Austin: Iron Works BBQ, Guero’s Taco Bar and The Frisco.

IABC/Tulsa: The future of the field of communications…
Robin: …is evolving at light speed and in fascinating ways. With the advent of social media, we’re seeing the lines blur among internal and external communication, PR, marketing and other specialties. I believe personally that the most successful communicators will know how to balance social media and other communication tools artfully. The most successful communicators won’t necessarily activate all the “bells and whistles” just because they’re available. They’ll know instinctively which tools to use based on their company or client cultures and industry expectations.

IABC/Tulsa: What advice would you give to new communications professionals? 
Robin: Regardless of the communication changes we’ve experienced through social media, you still have to know how to write complete sentences! You should understand proper grammar and punctuation. You still have to present yourself professionally. I may sound old-school, but you should understand that the way you demonstrate your knowledge – and the way you appear to others – may determine whether you get a great job or sign a new client. You may not care about some aspects of traditional communication, but many times the future boss – or the person making the decisions – DOES care. In those instances, it’s about their perceptions, not yours. We humans are judgmental folks, aren’t we? First impressions still matter.

When: Thursday, Nov. 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Nathan Harmon Photography Studio, 1573 E 19th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone: 918-269-6284

It’s time to grab some business cards and join IABC/Tulsa for a Happy Hour Thursday, Nov. 11 at Nathan Harmon’s Photography Studio, 1573 E. 19th Street, Tulsa. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. Register now, spread the word and bring your friends.

There’s no fee to attend, though guests must RVSP through IABC/Tulsa’s registration system. Drinks will be provided. Come and enjoy!

Informed, engaged employees are the foundation of an organization’s recovery following an economic downturn. But if employees aren’t feeling the love they will look elsewhere – because even in tough times, top performers are in demand.

Most people want to help their employers succeed, and they’re more likely to do that when they feel that they are valued, and they are proud to be affiliated with an admired organization.

Let’s face it:

• Very few people will readily admit they’re affiliated with an employer or client that receives negative media attention.
• Employees who understand the business challenges clearly, and believe they can help meet those challenges personally, are going to help the company succeed.
• Employees tend to be motivated highly when they internalize consistent, ongoing messages about how their work makes a difference, regardless of their jobs.

Robin McCasland will visit Tulsa in November to discus effective communication strategies to help keep employees motivated, focused, and most of all – retained. Robin is immediate past chair of the IABC Research Foundation and also a former member of the IABC Executive Board. She has more than 25 years of experience in strategic employee and human resources communication, with an emphasis on change, talent management and organizational development. Just this year, Robin launched her own company, Brain Biscuits Strategic Communication.

If you want to hear and see examples of companies that are maximizing social media tools – subtly blending internal and external communication – to reinforce a great work culture and a positive reputation, register now.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 17
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: D’Novo Lean Gourmet, 5982 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa

by Steve Higgins, IABC/Tulsa President

Did you know there’s a great, big IABC world out there?

It’s true. Beyond our local chapter here in Tulsa, the IABC network extends across 80 countries and includes approximately 15,000 business communication professionals.

While we don’t have the specific statistics, it goes without saying that a percentage of these members are individuals who call themselves “freelancers” – or those who work in a consulting role to provide public relations, writing, design, photography and other services to help an organization manage communications and achieve its goals. Freelancers benefit from an IABC membership because the network allows them access to a wide social network, and potential clients.

Since we value the freelancers who are members of the IABC/Tulsa chapter, we are planning to offer a new membership benefit just for them. In the next few months, we’ll be adding a section to our chapter website – http://tulsa.iabc.com/ – that will serve as a freelancer database. All IABC/Tulsa members who offer freelance services will be allowed to advertise their business on the site.

The even better news is that all of our members and non-members can also benefit from this new effort. Looking for a freelancer? Soon you’ll be able to visit the freelancer directory at http://tulsa.iabc.com/!

Interested in being listed on the site once we get the new section up and running? Send us an e-mail at iabctulsa@gmail.com.

Each month, IABC/Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet A Member” section of the newsletter. In this issue, we learn more about Tom Droege, IABC/Tulsa’s finance chair and senior account manager for Tulsa-based Rex PR.

IABC/Tulsa: How long have you been a member of IABC?
Tom: I’ve been a member for four years, and I’ve served as Bronze Quill Awards Chair and VP of Finance. But the titles don’t mean much. We all pitch in as a team to keep IABC/Tulsa running. Incidentally, if you are resourceful and eager to help, we need you! We are on the hunt for future board members. 

IABC/Tulsa: What is the best IABC meeting/seminar/conference you have ever attended?
Tom: In August, a small group of IABCers went to dinner at Lucky’s with Steve Crescenzo. As our guest, the guy could order anything off the menu – grilled filet of beef, rack of lamb. He selects a chicken fried steak as big as his head! It was a hilarious evening with the fast-talking Chicagoan. He’s the antithesis to status quo corporate communications.

IABC/Tulsa: What do you love about your job?
Tom: As a former journalist, it’s gratifying to create media opportunities for deserving organizations, individuals and issues. It’s fun to pick up the newspaper in the morning and see “my” stories, even though I don’t have a byline anymore. Working for an agency has also diversified and broadened my professional contacts, and I’m surprised how many times helping one client has led to another. 

IABC/Tulsa: Over the years, how has IABC helped with your professional development?
Tom: I’ve met industry peers who have become good friends and I’ve watched members land new jobs because of connections they’ve made through IABC. The new perspectives and insights shared by the monthly speakers are a great way to recharge the PR batteries.

IABC/Tulsa: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Tom: I like to goof off with my two daughters, and try to get as far away from computers and phones as possible.

IABC/Tulsa: What’s your favorite restaurant?
Tom: It was Phat Philly’s (R.I.P. September 2010). I really prefer my wife’s exquisite cooking.

IABC/Tulsa: The future of the field of communications…
Tom: … will see the pendulum swing back toward the core principles of communication like strong writing, engaging verbal communication and compelling photography and graphics. 

IABC/Tulsa: What advice would you give to communications professionals who are just entering the workforce?
Tom: Do something! Prove you are a hard worker. During a trying time in my life while looking for permanent employment after college, I edited a rambling manuscript written by a World War II veteran who participated in an atom bomb testing project. Because I had plans to travel the world in search of adventure, I initially scoffed at this project. But once I immersed myself, I began to enjoy it. It led to my first real job, for which I was extremely grateful.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 14
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kilkenny’s Irish Pub, 1413 E. 15th St., Tulsa

It’s time to grab some business cards and join IABC/Tulsa for a Happy Hour Thursday, Oct. 14, at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub on Cherry Street. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. Register now, spread the word and bring your friends.

There’s no fee to attend. Participants can purchase their own drinks at the bar. Come and enjoy!

by Steve Higgins, IABC/Tulsa President

A recent report from IABC’s international office affirmed what many of us already know – good things are happening at IABC/Tulsa.

The report ranked Tulsa in the top 10 of chapters internationally for membership growth.

How do we keep this momentum going? At a recent executive board strategy session, the chapter’s leadership tackled that very question. The result is a set of goals that we’ll work toward during our 2010-2011 board term.

Each board member contributed at least one goal. Here’s a sampling:

Reevaluate meeting location. While D’Novo has worked out well in many respects, we are consistently seeing low ratings for the food on our meeting surveys. Members can look for a separate, stand-alone survey on this subject very soon.

Limit “first time free” meeting registrations to membership recruitment months. We’re glad so many have taken advantage of our free lunch for first-time guests. The downside, though, is that we’re struggling to break even on our costs, even with attendance up this year. We’ll still do the “first time free” offer, but only twice a year.

Develop a “scholarship” program for small businesses and independents. The recession has made it difficult for some people to become full-fledged IABC members. The board agreed that we should develop a program to assist prospective members whose resources are limited.

Continue to increase membership, meeting attendance and happy hour attendance. We’re doing well in these areas, but we believe there’s room for further growth.

Continue to offer strong programs and special events. We’re committed to bringing in top “out-of-town” presenters, mixed in with local experts and occasional webinars that will be free for members.

These are just a few of the areas on which we’ll focus in the coming year. If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at steve.higgins@williams.com.

Each month, IABC/Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet A Member” section of the newsletter. In this issue, we learn more about Susie Wellendorf, director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations for Hilti North America.

IABC/Tulsa: How long have you been a member of IABC?
Susie: I’ve been a member for almost 16 years, and have served on the IABC/Tulsa board several times, including a stint as president from 1998-1999.

IABC/Tulsa: What is the best IABC meeting/seminar/conference you have ever attended?
Susie: I appreciated getting the opportunity to attend the Leadership Institute in Ottawa, Canada. Besides taking me to Canada for my first time, the conference helped me understand the bigger picture of the communication profession at a time when I was new to it. That’s when I realized what makes IABC special – it’s small enough at the local level to allow you to really get to know its members, but with an international network that gives you access to any resource you would need to develop a communication interest.

IABC/Tulsa: What do you love about your job at Hilti?
Susie: I love the art and science behind finding the best way to explain a situation or issue to influence behavior. It’s hard to beat the feeling of knowing you’ve connected with an audience in a way that drives action and improves the business. I also enjoy the process side of developing new communication platforms and being part of an international organization.

IABC/Tulsa: Over the years, has IABC helped with your professional development?
Susie: Absolutely! Having the opportunity to take on leadership roles in the organization gave me the confidence to build on my career. Early on, it provided the foundation and resources to better understand all parts of the communication profession. Now with the advent of social media redefining how we work, IABC has been a big help in getting up to speed.

IABC/Tulsa: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Susie: I love to travel. If it’s for relaxing, give me a beach town in Mexico. If it’s to appreciate nature, put me in any National Park. If it’s for culture and adventure, I take me to Europe or Africa.

IABC/Tulsa: What’s your favorite restaurant?
Susie: Biga – great Italian!

IABC/Tulsa: The future of the field of communications…
Susie: … is going to change dramatically over the next few years with the introduction of social media. We’ve always preached the importance of two-way communication to promote understanding. As younger people enter the work force, it will no longer be optional.

IABC/Tulsa: What advice would you give to communications professionals who are just entering the workforce?
Susie: Continue to polish your basic skills of writing, editing and consulting. Read what management is reading and make sure you understand the business.

The art of social media comes to life with this series of professional development conferences hosted by IABC/Tulsa, PRSA Tulsa and the Tulsa Press Club.

The 2010 OkieSMart conference, presented by Walmart, will be held Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Spirit Bank Event Center in Tulsa. This year’s speakers are Steve Crescenzo, the top-rated speaker of IABC’s 2010 World Conference, and Rick Burnes from HubSpot.

To learn more – and to register – visit www.okiesmart.com.

Thursday, Aug. 26
1 to 7 p.m.
Spirit Bank Event Center
10441 S Regal Blvd
Tulsa, OK  74133