October 2018 Newsletter

Letter from the President

Happy Fall!  I look forward to October all year long.  It brings anticipation of the holiday season, feeling the weather click over (goodbye humidity!) and watching the leaves turn into a vibrant rainbow of warm colors.  But more importantly it’s Member Month!

If you have considered becoming a member (or need to renew), this is a great time to make it happen.  Anyone who joins or renews gets a 10% discount and entry into a drawing for an all-access pass to the IABC Academy. Current members you can get in on member month too!  Anyone you refer to join OR renew gets you in on some great perks.  Check out the details here.

What else am I looking forward to?  IABC’s plans for the season…and all things pumpkin spice : )  Mark your calendars!

November 7 – Communicator’s Summit.  We are thrilled to partner with PRSA and, new this year, AMA.  Lots of networking and insights from speakers across the communications, marketing and PR value chain.  Deadline to register is October 26.

December 6 – Gift of Communication.  The event supports local non-profits with any and all communication guidance they need.  Volunteers (you) help these organizations develop strategies to support their goals.  This working session is an amazing way to give back and broaden your strategic communication skills.  Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for breakfast and giving back.  If you would like to volunteer, please email me.

Anytime – Leadership development.  The board is always looking for volunteers to support our programs and members.  This is a great way to work on your leadership skills.  There are opportunities for every level and time commitment.  Reach out to any IABC Tulsa board member for more information.

Look forward to seeing you at the Communicator’s Summit.  Until then, savor the season.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”  -James Humes


Expand Your ImpactMember Month: Expand your impact with IABC

Get ready, it’s Member Month! Take advantage of this special twice-a-year offer to rake in the incentives when you join or renew your IABC membership. Here’s what you need to know:

Why join IABC?

  • Regardless of your career stage, IABC membership expands on your ability to deliver a higher standard of professional communication.
  • IABC membership allows you to stay on top of business communication trends and critical developments. This expands your ability to ensure your organization’s voice remains relevant, informed and proactive.
  • Membership in IABC helps you increase the effectiveness of your business communication to expand the impact you have on your organization’s business results.
  • Expand your impact by expanding your access to business-building ideas and best practices through peer-to-peer networking, engagement and knowledge sharing among a global community of communication professionals.

How can we sweeten the pot?

  • Existing Members for Renewal: 10% discount on International dues when renewing in October
    • PLUS: Entry into a drawing to win an annual IABC Academy All Access Pass
  • New and Lapsed Members: 10% discount on International dues when joining in October
    • PLUS: Entry into a drawing to win an annual IABC Academy All Access Pass
  • Referrals: All members who refer 4 or more new/reinstating members during October receive a year of free IABC membership. The member who refers the most members during October will receive a free year subscription to Leaderbox ($790 value) and a feature in an IABC Digest email. All members who refer will be recognized on the IABC website.

Join or Renew Today!


Communicators Summit2018 Communicators Summit by IABC, PRSA & AMA

Marketing professionals, crisis managers, writers, designers, brand managers, employee engagement experts … as communicators, these are just some of the many hats we wear as we prepare organizations to respond to challenges, both internally and externally.

That’s why we’re not just PR or marketing or crisis communicators. Organizations look to us to be leaders in all areas of communications, and Communicators Summit is where we come together to meet, learn and grow in our professions.

This year’s summit will bring together experts from across the country, representing various industries to discuss current trends, technology and strategies to help you engage with your audience and drive business results.

There is guaranteed to be something for every skill level – from the newbie just joining the profession and building a network to the seasoned pro looking to keep up with the latest trends.

Cost for full Summit 

  • $40.00 student rate
  • $75.00 member
  • $90.00 non-member

Lunch-only Keynote

  • $15.00 Student
  • $25.00 Member
  • $35.00 Non-member

Speakers Summarized

Morning Keynote: Joy Dyer, OKC Thunder Moments Matter!

Set 1: Breakouts: 9:45 am to 10:30am

  1. Programmatic Marketing Strategies and Digital Tactics to Drive Company Growth, Joe Macaluso and Yaviv Drori, Multiview
  2. Employee Communication: Engaging Employees to Drive Business Results,  Andrea Myers, Vice President and Assistant Practice Lead, Talent + Transformation, FleishmanHillard St. Louis
  3. Brand Fission: The Quik Print / Mingo Brand Story,Libby Bender, Cubic; Alex Gravley, Quik Print; Amy Gravley Witkowski, Mingo

Set 2: Breakouts 10:45- 11:30

  1. Thought Leadership and Social Media Measurement, Executive Involvement, Erin Holland, ONEOK, and Michelle Heard, Ascension
  2. Utilizing podcasts to communicate; how to get started and how to measure success, Lauren King, F Word Podcast
  3. Reinventing Company Culture, Justin Harlan, Executive Director, Reading Partners Tulsa

Lunch Keynote: Mind Matters: Cognitive Bias and Communication, Chuck Gose, Chuck Chats, ICology podcast and Social Chorus

Registration Ends October 26!


Meet a MemberGet to Know Jennifer RectorJennifer Rector

Title(s): Manager, Communications for ONE Gas;
Creative Strategy and Brand Development, Ridgeback Studio

Why do you love your job?  At ONE Gas, I love that no one day is ever the same. There has never been a more exciting time to be a professional communicator. There are so many things to learn and so many ways to accomplish a goal – the sky really is the limit. I love that technology and strategy always seem to meet somewhere in my communications plan and is then up to us to creatively implement. My role in the studio is an opportunity to learn and be involved in an up-and-coming medium that I believe is going to drive the future of marketing – online streaming.

How long have you been a member of IABC? I have been involved in IABC for more than 10 years, but officially became a member in 2010.

Why are you a member of IABC? As a communicator, you need a group of people who understand what it’s like to be you. We all work in different industries, but the field of communication is universal. You need the energy, the assurance and the confidence from people who truly want to lift you up and make you better.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve been to World Conference twice – once in San Diego and once in NYC – both of those were amazing. You get the chance to meet professionals from across the globe who are all working to overcome the same challenges and that is very powerful.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I’ve had so many development opportunities with IABC. I’ve spent most of my career working in a business environment, and this organization has given me the tools and resources to think of myself not only as a communications professional, but as a business professional.

What is the value of your IABC membership? This year, I completed a master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Part of my program included a thesis and oral defense. I had a lot of research requirements and the Research content from IABC was invaluable to my work. At one point, I needed a specific piece of literature that was going to cost more through Amazon than the price of my annual IABC membership. I was able to use the paper for free with my membership. You always hear about the value of an organization, but this year, I was able to break down an actual dollar amount on what I saved through membership. Amazing …

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I’m a shy introvert in real life (shocking, right?). Nothing thrills me more than to be at home with my boys with no agenda. I get to take off so many of the other hats I wear and focus on my most important job – being a wife and mom.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Vegas!

Who is your favorite musical artist? I was raised in the late 90s and never really left. There’s something about Maynard Keenan that never gets old for me. I’ve seen Tool and A Perfect Circle both right here in Tulsa, and yes, I wore flannel.

Which website or app do you visit daily? Instagram, the Skimm and News on 6 (I can’t seem to get enough of their mobile alerts).

What is your favorite restaurant? El Guapo.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…on fire! We are going to teach entire industries how to navigate the future. I’m not saying it won’t be hard, but it will be an adventure like no other in history. What’s not to be excited about?

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Be open to learn ANYTHING. Early in my career, I had a lot of opportunities because I was comfortable volunteering for work. My favorite quote is attributed to Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Be willing to say, “I’ll do that,” and do it. Learn the new software, take the beat no one else wants, get your hands dirty and always look for ways to contribute.


Congratulations to our Silver Quill Winners!

Congratulations to IABC/Tulsa’s winners of the 2018 IABC Southern Region Silver Quill Awards. These will be announced on October 18 at the IABC Southern Region Awards Luncheon during the connect18 Conference in Nashville.

    • ONEOK – Stephanie Higgins, Becky Carver, Brittany Anicetti, Jason Wright and Erica May
    • Walmart People Experience Communications – Tonya Keller, Danna Strickland, Becky Zito, Kimberly Ringhausen and David Bunger
    • Williams – Keith Isbell, Cindy Ivey and Chris Stockton

IABC/Tulsa Judges Circle – Engage with our Chapter While Learning

Have you entered or won a Bronze Quill? Are you curious what communications programs and strategies other professionals employ at their businesses? Do you want another way to engage with our chapter but don’t have a lot of time?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the Judges Circle. This new group will be responsible for helping evaluate other chapters’ local awards programs – and in return, they help judge our Bronze Quill awards.

Whether you’re able to judge one or many entries throughout the year, your help is always appreciated. Plus, becoming an evaluator is a great way to improve your award entries and enhance your own strategic communication skills while finding new and interesting ways to approach communication challenges at your company.

“Judging entries for other chapters has been a great learning experience for me,” said Ashley Cleveland, Senior Communications Consultant at ONE Gas. “I’ve been able to see what other communications professionals throughout the country are doing and how they’re approaching some of the same issues I face at work. It’s also really helped me improve how I approach my own Bronze Quill entries and was a factor in winning a few this year.”

Whether you want to gain new ideas, get involved with the chapter through a low-time commitment or just improve your Bronze Quill entries (which is opening soon), consider joining and judging!

For more information or to join the Judges Circle, email awards@iabctulsa.com.

 

IABC Certification Coming to Oklahoma Soon!

global communication certification council

 

IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication Management Professional) certification exams to Oklahoma next spring. Here’s what you need to know.

Also, the IABC Foundation has created the Gift of Excellence program, which is providing scholarships for certification fees. Details can be found here: Gift of Excellence Certification Grant.


Celebrating Our Membership Anniversaries

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in October.

October 6 – Cristi Goettel
October 9 – Sarah Andrews
October 17 – Ginger Homan

 

September 2018 Newsletter

Letter from the President

Did you know IABC’s Purpose is centered around three key drivers?

  • Advance Profession: Advance awareness of communication as a strategic leadership function, demonstrating its impact on business performance.
  • Create Connection: Create global peer connections, facilitating ways for practitioners to interact and support each other.
  • Develop Strategic Communicators: Develop opportunities for learning, leadership and recognition to help communicators become trusted business advisers.

Let’s Advance the Profession and ourselves together.
The CMP and SCMP Certification is one of the many ways we can accomplish this.  IABC is the only global communication organization and our certification process is very close to being the only ISO certified process.  I am very excited to announce we will host an exam right here in Tulsa next year…tentatively set for May 2019.

What does this mean?  You have plenty of time to prepare and apply to take the exam.  AND you won’t have to travel to further your career.

What is certification important?  These credentials make you a recognized expert and leader in the communications field.  No different than the colleagues we sit around the table with e.g. PMP, PHR, SPHR, PE, etc.  As a group it further solidifies communications impact on business performance; advancing the profession.

Now we need to Create Connection and Develop Strategic Communicators.
IABC has countless ways to connect and develop your career.  But if you’re new to IABC or haven’t had a chance to dive into what the options are, it may not be clear or seem daunting.  My experience has been, getting involved is the easiest way to create connections and learn.  Volunteering for our local chapter has allowed me to build relationships and friendships that I wouldn’t have otherwise.  Which has also helped me develop and grow as a communicator.  When you view our profession through many lenses, you really flex those strategic communication muscles.

How do I get involved, you ask?  Just let us know you’re interested. Don’t have a lot of time?  No problem, we have options for you.

Interested in a board role?  We currently have an opening for Vice President, Special Events.  If you like focusing your time around specific projects and planning events, this is the role for you.

We say this a lot, but please reach out at any time.  We are here to serve our members and ensure you have the tools to grow your career and network.
 
Volunesia (noun) – That moment when you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it’s changing yours. 


Tee It Up with IABC!Tee it Up with IABC
IABC wants to celebrate Member Month with you!

October is IABC’s Member Month, and we’re celebrating with a free event featuring one of our very own – Kiley Roberson, Tulsa City-County Library’s new Chief Strategy Officer and IABC/Tulsa Board Member. During this Q&A session, Kiley will share some of the successes and challenges she has faced in her career and how her IABC membership and network has helped her climb the leadership ladder.

This event is FREE as our thanks to you for supporting IABC/Tulsa, so we’ll pick up the tab on some appetizers, a round of golf and your first cocktail.

About Our Speaker
Kiley is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Tulsa City-County Library. Prior to her career with the library, Kiley worked as a Senior Communications Analyst for SemGroup Corporation and as a TV news producer and reporter.

Kiley has been a member of IABC since 2011 and has served on the IABC/Tulsa board from 2013-2015, previously holding the role of Professional Development Co-Chair.

Kiley has a master’s degree in communication management from the University of Southern California, a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Oklahoma State University and is a certified crisis manager from the Institute for Crisis Management.

Kiley is a writer at heart and spends her free time on her award-winning column in TulsaKids Magazine. Kiley married her high school sweetheart, Chad, and the two have a bright and beautiful six-year-old daughter and an outgoing, spunky three-year-old son.


Communicators Summit

2018 Communicators Summit by IABC, PRSA & AMA

Marketing professionals, crisis managers, writers, designers, brand managers, employee engagement experts … as communicators, these are just some of the many hats we wear as we prepare organizations to respond to challenges, both internally and externally.

That’s why we’re not just PR or marketing or crisis communicators. Organizations look to us to be leaders in all areas of communications, and Communicators Summit is where we come together to meet, learn and grow in our professions.

This year’s summit will bring together experts from across the country, representing various industries to discuss current trends, technology and strategies to help you engage with your audience and drive business results.

There is guaranteed to be something for every skill level – from the newbie just joining the profession and building a network to the seasoned pro looking to keep up with the latest trends.

Early registration open now until Oct. 12. Prices go up Oct. 13th. Last day to register is Oct. 26th.

Cost for full Summit 

  • $40.00 student rate
  • $65.00 member early bird
  • $75.00 member
  • $80.00 non-member early bird
  • $90.00 non-member

Lunch-only Keynote

  • $15.00 Student
  • $25.00 Member
  • $35.00 Non-member

Speakers Summarized

Morning Keynote: Joy Dyer, OKC Thunder Moments Matter!

Set 1: Breakouts: 9:45 am to 10:30am

  1. Programmatic Marketing Strategies and Digital Tactics to Drive Company Growth, Joe Macaluso and Yaviv Drori, Multiview
  2. Utilizing podcasts to communicate; how to get started and how to measure success, Lauren King, F Word Podcast
  3. Brand Fission: The Quik Print / Mingo Brand Story,Libby Bender, Cubic; Alex Gravley, Quik Print; Amy Gravley Witkowski, Mingo

Set 2: Breakouts 10:45- 11:30

  1. Thought Leadership and Social Media Measurement, Executive Involvement, Erin Holland, ONEOK, and Michelle Heard, Ascension
  2. PR Case Study, Andrea Myers, FleischmanHillard
  3. Tulsa Motivational leadership/Inspiring Teams, Justin Harlan, Reading Partners

Lunch Keynote: Mind Matters: Cognitive Bias and Communication, Chuck Gose, Chuck Chats, ICology podcast and Social Chorus

Early Bird Registration Ends October 12!


Missed September’s Professional Development?
Here are a few of the key takeaways.

Traits CEOs Look for in Communication Professionals


 

Meet a Member

Lainie HarberGet to Know Lainie Harber
Title: Internal Communications Manager

Company: Helmerich and Payne

Why do you love your job? Because I have the opportunity to help my colleagues better understand the business, each other and where they company is headed. I also love being a strategic counselor to all employees – helping provide guidance and best practices to ensure the organization is on the same page.

How long have you been a member of IABC? 6 months

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? No, I haven’t yet, but maybe someday.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? The meeting on September 12 at the Tulsa City-County Library was very illuminating. I left with a few pages of notes and some strategies that will absolutely be relevant to my work.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? It’s been great to have another outlet to access real, timely information that can help my team and I be more effective. It is also so helpful to have the chance to hear successes and struggles that other communications professionals are encountering.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to travel, cook and try new restaurants. I’m also a huge movie buff and of course I love to spend time with my family and friends as much as I can.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Oooh tough one. My favorite American city to vacation in is Chicago, though I recently went glamping in Colorado, and I’d highly recommend it. And internationally speaking, Switzerland is always a good idea.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I’m an oldies gal – basically if they’ve passed or broken up, I love ‘em. Beach Boys, Beatles, Carole King, Sam Cooke. But I love Sam Smith, Leon Bridges and of course Queen Bey.

Which website or app do you visit daily?  I love the Skimm every morning for my news and of course Instagram.

What is your favorite restaurant? Again tough one. I love to try new restaurants and live for Restaurant Weeks. For your tried-and-true fast food or fast casual – Braum’s. But there is this wonderful restaurant in Dallas called Americano – if you’re in the city, please go. In Tulsa, Antoinette’s. Thanks to Leslie Agee for that obsession. 🙂

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? Hmmm could be my inevitable top knot if the event is at the end of the day. I feel like my hair is always up by EOD.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…..digital. No surprise here I’m sure, but I think it’s only going to continue to grow. I also think communications professionals will only become more involved in company strategy and trajectory.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Read. Read novels, industry pubs, blogs, social accounts, LinkedIn. Also, expose yourself to different industries and professional backgrounds. So often we can get stagnant in the work that we do for our specific company – there are SO many ways to innovate, but we’ve got to expose ourselves to the fresh, new and now.


New Members

Help us welcome our newest IABC/Tulsa members!

Amanda Black, Communications Coordinator at Helmerich and Payne
Michele Harmon, Writer/Editor at Chipper Muse Creative Services
Cody McAlester, Senior Communications Specialist at Bank of Oklahoma
Claire Combs, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Hilti


Celebrating Our Membership Anniversaries

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in September.

September 7 – Natasha Mitchell
September 21 – Keith Isbell
September 29 – Susie Wellendorf

August 2018 Newsletter

Letter from the President
I’m sitting here watching American Pickers on the History channel.  If you’re not familiar, it’s two quirky guys traveling the U.S. seeking Americana treasures from generations ago.  In this particular episode, they are exploring a collection of record players, radios, eight-track players – basically anything that has played music in the last 75+ years.  It’s amazing to see the evolution and then look down at my phone where I can carry around thousands of songs in one tiny device.

This got me thinking about how communication has evolved, including our ability to consume and comprehend it. The feverish pace that information is exchanged is dizzying.  What’s the saying?  You have to communicate a single piece of information seven times, in seven different ways for it to stick.  So how do we keep up?  The one answer I have found to be true 100% of the time is…you can’t do it alone.  We all need a network of support, expertise and knowledge.

This may seem like a shameless plug, but IABC has been that for me.  Joining and participating has unlocked a world of colleagues I admire, resources that have furthered my career and friendships I treasure.  So I thank you, each of you, for your membership and engagement in our Chapter.

We have an exciting fall planned for you: don’t forget the IABC Southern Region Conference is coming up in October. Plus the deadline to enter Silver Quill is tomorrow.  Dust off your Bronze Quill entry, review the judges’ comments, adjust and submit.

See you at the Tulsa City-County Library with CEO Kimberly Johnson next month!

“You never get more out of something than what you put in to it.”  -Mark Millen


Learning to Lead: what executives want from their communication professionalsLearning to Lead: What Executives Want from Their Communication Professionals

You’ve heard the saying, “working your way up.” Tulsa City-County Library CEO Kimberly Johnson did just that. Beginning her career as a library resource coordinator and now leading an organization that serves 600,000 people, Kimberly knows what it takes to be a leader and she thinks communication professionals should too.

At this program, you’ll learn:

  • What key traits leadership looks for in communications professionals.
  • How to increase your influence within your organization by demonstrating success.
  • Why the language you use with leadership is important to building credibility.

Fee:

  • IABC Member fee: $25
  • IABC Non-member fee: $35
  • Student fee: $15

Where: Central Library, Pocahontas Greadington Learning and Creativity Center (lower level 2)

Register Online by September 11!


Top 10 Ways to Improve your Comprehension

Missed our August professional development on Communication vs Comprehension with Denise Vladovich? Or just want a handy way to remember the takeaways?

Check out this helpful infographic to assist your audience in grasping important concepts easily. It’s not about “dumbing it down.” It’s about “clearing it up.”

top 10 Ways to Improve Comprehension


IABC/Tulsa Third Annual Spelling Bee(r)

We all love a good copy editing session, but how are your spelling skills without a red pen in hand? How about with a drink in hand? We found out this year at IABC/Tulsa’s third annual Adult Spelling Bee(r).

Spelling ‘cauterize’ correctly garnered the win at this year’s event after the second place contestant misspelled ‘chlorofluorocarbon.’ Congrats to all our participants!

Check out the photos below from the event and watch this video to see the fun in action.

The top three contestants in the spelling bee(r). The spelling beer champ celebrates after being handed their prize!
Another contestant from the Spelling Bee(r) final round. Emcee from spelling beer event

Meet a MemberGet to Know Stephanie Higgins

Stephanie Higgins family fishingTitle: Supervisor, Communications

Company:  ONEOK

Why do you love your job? Quite frankly, it’s the people. I love my co-workers like they are family. It makes it much easier to come to work every day when you enjoy the people around you. They celebrate in my successes and lift me up and when I am down.

How long have you been a member of IABC? I have been a member of IABC for 3.5 years.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I attended the IABC World Conference earlier this year in Montreal, Canada. It was really cool to engage with other communicators from outside the United States. To find out there are people all over the world combatting some of the same issues we do on a daily basis made me feel like I wasn’t in this profession alone. Some offered practical solutions to those issues as well.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I have been a member of various professional organizations throughout my 20-year career in communications. IABC offers me a network of professionals that are primarily in corporate communications. Corporate communications can be a daunting world and having a network of other professionals to bounce ideas off of is priceless. They also offer professional development opportunities that are pertinent to my position for a reasonable price.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My husband and I have two boys, one is a sophomore in college and the other is a freshman in high school. Between the hustle and bustle of chasing them around with their sports (college baseball and high school basketball), we love to go fishing! Striper fishing, trout fishing, crappie fishing, it doesn’t matter. We love that family time and spending time outdoors.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? I love to go anywhere with a beach. I am not picky as long as it’s warm.
 
Who is your favorite musical artist?
That’s a tough one. When I listen to the radio, it’s typically on sports talk radio. I love sports. If I had to pick one, I would say I am a closet Taylor Swift fan. (Guess I am not in the closet anymore.)

Which website or app do you visit daily? Bleacher Report is an app I visit daily. It’s a constant feed of sports stories.

What is your favorite restaurant? Any place with a steak. I love a good steak and baked potato.

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? I am a 6’0 tall sometimes blonde, sometimes brunette. I am hard to miss. I am usually the tallest in the room.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. Exciting! The field is constantly changing, and it’s fun to be a part of a profession that continuously challenges you.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Be open to exploring multiple facets of communications whether it’s in the news field, public service or corporate communications. I have had the privilege of working in multiple facets of the communications profession. Because of this, it has provided me with the opportunity to be a more well-rounded communications professional.

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in August.

August 1 – Emily Perkins
August 12 – Kim Kuehler
August 15 – Kiley Roberson

Get to know Summer Austin

Title: Communication Business Partner for IT and Technology (R&D)

Company: Phillips 66 in Bartlesville, Okla.
 
Why do you love your job?
I enjoy digging into details and learning about new things for my writing, but what I love are the people. The organizations I support are global, and their work touches everyone in the company. By default, that allows me to work with colleagues from Bartlesville to Great Britain and everywhere in between. What’s so interesting is the wide range in diversity of thought and experience. Yet they are the same in that they’re extremely intelligent, driven and focused on the higher good of the company as well as one another. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that kind of energy?

How long have you been a member of IABC? I’ve been a member since February 2005 – this year is lucky 13!

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? Yes. Two terms from 2011-2015 as co-VP of Membership.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I really enjoyed all aspects of the 2012 Southern Region Conference: Real People Talk, in Charleston, South Carolina. What stood out to me the most was Tim Cleary’s keynote on building engagement through understanding and ownership. We worked in teams to design a shoe that would help children learn how to tie their laces. Getting people using their hands frees up their minds to be more creative and feel more engaged. And as a group activity it gets people talking, and involves them in the process, which ultimately helps the individuals move themselves through change. Rob Oddi has a similar exercise using Legos to build a change management plan. Very impactful!
 
How has IABC played a part in your professional development?
The Tulsa IABC board is another group of diverse thinkers and experts from varied vocations. Working with them was both personally and professionally enriching.  IABC’s continued learning series has also been beneficial. Ann Wylie’s sessions are some of my favorites because I always come away with actionable principles to tighten up my writing and draw in the reader.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Travel; I love exploring new places, experiencing new things, eating new foods. And travel photography is one of my passions. Check it out on Instagram @sumascenes.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? It’s hard to pick just one, so I’ll pick three: Scotland, Ireland and China, so far.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Ugh…what’s with picking just one? 😉 I’ll narrow it down to categories:

  • Top female – lately I’ve been re-listening to Eva Cassidy (but I also love Nora Jones, Nina Simone, Patsy Cline, and SO many more).
  • Top male – lately it’s been Bob Marley. I also like Van Morrison, Jack Johnson, Sting…you get me – variety is the spice of life.
  • Top bands – lately I’ve been obsessed with the Beatles Channel on Sirius XM. I’m surprised there are so many songs I’ve not heard, because I’ve been a fan since my teens. I also love the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and many, many more.
  • And Christmas music? I won’t even go there – okay just one, the all-time great BING CROSBY.


Which website or app do you visit daily?
My company intra and internet for research; Apps – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Weather Underground (can’t get dressed or pack for a trip without it). 😊

What is your favorite restaurant? Hmmm – in Bartlesville, it’s Senor Salsas – love the comfortable atmosphere, and the staff all know us and try to teach us Spanish. Much like the rest of my life, I like variety in my meals too. In Tulsa my husband and friends and I frequent Yokozuna, Lana Thai, and we love Kilkenny’s weekend brunch. I recently visited San Diego, and I now have a lot of favorites there too!

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? The next one will be the first one I’ve had the chance to attend in a LONG time. So, I’ll be the person working the room to introduce myself to all the new faces.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…even more important than ever. With the speed of change continuing to increase exponentially in the digital age, clear communication and a strong focus on change management is so needed. Without out it you lose understanding, engagement and ultimately the support of your target audience.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? If after two written exchanges (email, texts, etc.) you still don’t have clarity or understanding with the recipient, pick up the phone or meet with the other person and talk things through. This simple practice will save you and the other person a lot of time and frustration. It also works wonders in keeping misunderstandings from escalating.

Letter from the President

It’s July and that means Hobby Lobby has their fall décor out, school starts next month and pumpkin everything is around the corner. I know that’s hard to believe, but IABC is here to help you make the transition to fall with your fellow communicators…join us!

Starting with our third-annual Spelling Bee(r). This is a fun way to flex those spelling muscles with friends cheering you on. Then in August, have those freshly sharpened #2 pencils ready to take notes. We will learn how to increase the comprehension on the communications we work so hard on.  In September we are heading to the Tulsa City-County Library. If you haven’t been to the new library yet, you don’t want to miss this one. Grab a seat, borrow a book and settle in for a special session with the library’s CEO Kimberly Johnson.

IABC Southern Region is hosting their annual conference in Nashville, Tenn. this October.  Early bird registration is available until August 1.  Reminder…this is where you can take your Bronze Quill entry to the next level with the Silver Quill awards. Call for entries opened this week. Find out more here.

Crisp air, fall leaves, a lot of fun and new things to learn. Time to get excited for fall!

 

Join IABC/Tulsa for the Third Annual Spelling Bee(r)

IABC/Tulsa nd Fassler Hall presents Spelling Bee(r)

We all love a good copy editing session, but how are your spelling skills without a red pen in hand?

How about with a drink in hand? Find out at IABC/Tulsa’s third annual Adult Spelling Bee(r).

Join us at Fassler Hall in downtown Tulsa for a night of fun and test your spelling skills for a chance to win cash prizes. No cost to enter.

Buy a brat and a b-e-e-r while you watch or compete in the spelling bee.

Don’t miss this chance to mingle with your fellow IABC members. Bring your non-IABC friends, too!

When: 6:00 to 9 p.m., Thursday, July 26 (Spelling will start at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Fassler Hall, 304 S. Elgin Ave., Tulsa, OK 74120

RSVP at our Facebook event page to let us know you’re coming!

Letter from the President

It’s summer time, and IABC/Tulsa is sizzlin’!  Thanks to our amazing professional development team, there is a full line up of learning and networking planned for you. There’s something for everyone with new times, dates and locations to better accommodate your busy schedules. Go ahead, pull out those calendars and schedule some time for yourself. Whether you want to invest in new relationships, learn something new or both…you won’t want to miss these events!

You can review the complete event schedule below and on our brand NEW website. That’s right, our site and email template were recently updated. We hope you enjoy the new look and improved functionality.

Kicking off our summer of fun is IABC World Conference, next week! If you are going, look for your fellow IABC/Tulsa members and join us at the Southern Region reception on Monday, June 4. We will also keep everyone in the loop on conference activities and insights via our social channels.

Reminder: From your home or office and per your schedule, you can volunteer and gain professional development experience with our Bronze Quill Judges Circle. Contact Ashley Cleveland details.

“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make.  It will not only improve your life; it will improve the lives of all those around you.” – Robin Sharma

 

Summer Shakedown

The weather is heating up, and IABC/Tulsa is ready to bring you a summer full of fun, professional development, networking and putting your spelling chops to the test. Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities:

  • June 22: How to Create and Deliver the Ultimate One-Minute Elevator Pitch with Teri Goudie
    • Tulsa Country Club
    • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America
  • July 11: Tricks and Trends for Digital with Noel Hunt
    • Flying Tee in Jenks
    • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Free admission: buy your own lunch
  • July 26: Spelling Bee(r)
    • Fassler Hall
    • 6 to 8 p.m.
  • August 15: Communication vs. Comprehension with Denise Vladovich
    • Tulsa Country Club
    • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Sponsored by the Tulsa International Airport
  • September 12: Kimberly Johnson
    • Downtown Library
    • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Sponsored by the Tulsa International Airport

Congratulations to This Year’s Bronze Quill Winners

IABC/Tulsa celebrated outstanding communications and recognized top local communications professionals on April 19, at the annual Bronze Quill Awards Ceremony. The event, attended by over 100 local professionals, was held at the Central Library in downtown Tulsa.

The event honored dozens of professionals in the communications field. Five special awards, 18 Awards of Excellence, 20 Awards of Merit and seven anniversary plaques were handed out throughout the evening.

Kimberly Johnson, CEO of the Tulsa City-County Library, was named the 2018 Communicator of the Year for her tremendous efforts to showcase the amazing work the Tulsa Library system does for the communities it serves.

Megan Patterson, Manager of Investor Relations at ONEOK, received the John Hartman Professional of the Year award. Megan was recognized by her peers as an outstanding communications professional and an exemplary leader.

The Leon Bolen Service Award, which honors an IABC member’s volunteerism and support of IABC’s organizational goals, was awarded to Kim Kuehler, Advertising Sales Manager for the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, for her continued generosity and efforts to support our chapter.

This year, IABC/Tulsa added a new award to recognize a dynamic, young communications professional. The Rising Star Award was presented to Noël Hunt, Client Manager and Digital Marketing Strategist at Byers Creative, for her drive, community support and dedication to integrity of the profession.

The “Best of Show” Award, presented to the 2018 entry with the highest total score, was awarded to Ashley Cleveland and the communications team from ONE Gas for their entry, Safety: More Than Just a Value.

Also new this year, we celebrated several of the chapter’s long-tenured members by recognizing those with more than 20 years of membership. This year, plaques were presented to Kerry Malone (28 years), Kendra Thompson (27 years), Steve Higgins (25 years), Susie Wellendorf (24 years), Joe Epperley (23 years), Tracy Harlow (20 years) and Phillip Harris (20 years).

In total, 38 Bronze Quill awards were awarded to local communications professionals for exceptional work completed during 2016-2018.

Awards of Excellence were presented to:

  • Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses for “Anadisgoi Magazine”
  • Ashley Cleveland and the ONE Gas Communications team for “Safety: More Than Just a Value”
  • Leslie Agee of Helmerich & Payne for “Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa”
  • Stephanie Higgins, Becky Carver, Dusty Darr and Jacob Yokum of ONEOK for “Mustang Pipeline Project”
  • Keith Isbell of Williams for “Gulf Trace: B as in Big”
  • Becky Carver and Information Security from ONEOK for “SecuritySense 2017”
  • Nicole Nascenzi, Rob Hatley, Sara Delgado and Outreach Experts from Williams for “Employee Action Center.” This entry won two Awards of Excellence – one in the government relations category and one for employee engagement.
  • Catharine Brierre and ONEOK Investor Relations for “Investor Relations Monthly”
  • The Tulsa City-County Library Public Relations Office for “Tulsa Library 2017 Annual Report”
  • Stephanie Higgins, Becky Carver, Brittany Anicetti, Jason Wright and Erica May of ONEOK for “ONE in Responsibility”
  • Cherokee Nation Businesses for “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People”
  • Becky Carver and Megan Patterson of ONEOK for “2016 ONEOK Annual Report”
  • Tulsa International Airport for “PIKEPASS to Parking+”
  • Erin Holland and Brittany Anicetti of ONEOK for “Work at ONEOK”
  • Ginger Renshaw and Jennifer Rector of ONE Gas for “ONE Gas Values – Ted Talk Open”
  • Heather Gowin and Kendra Thompson of Cancer Treatment Centers of America for “Prostate Pep Talk”
  • Resolute PR for “ImpactTulsa Annual Report Video”

Awards of Merit were presented to:

  • Brittany Anicetti, Erin Holland, Erica May, Kathy Murphy and Jason Ashley Wright of ONEOK for “ONEOK’s 2018 United Way Campaign”
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma for “Proud to be Blue Campaign”
  • Jennifer Rector, Ashley Cleveland and Hayley Westwood of ONE Gas for “Making Connections: 2016 ONE Gas Annual Report”
  • Erica May of ONEOK for “Open Enrollment Guide”
  • Cherokee Nation Businesses for “Cherokee Nation Economic Impact Report”
  • Becky Carver, Brittany Anicetti and Information Technology from ONEOK for “ClickIT”
  • Abigail Loveall and Russell Shaffer of Walmart for “2017 CDI Report”
  • Ginger Renshaw and ONE Gas Communications for “ONE Gas Safe Digging Videos”
  • Resolute PR for “Ogans Circle”
  • Jason Ashley Wright, Brittany Anicetti, Becky Carver and Stephanie Higgins of ONEOK for “ONEOK Quarterly: Weathering the Storm”
  • Cherokee Nation Businesses for “Where the Casino Money Goes”
  • Michael McCulloh of ONE Gas for “Meet Your Co-Workers Series”
  • Stephanie Higgins, Becky Carver, Brittany Anicetti, Jason Wright and Erica May of ONEOK for “ONE in Responsibility”
  • Nicole Nascenzi, Sara Delgado and Saxum for “Williams Corporate Social Responsibility Website”
  • Erin Holland of ONEOK for “Mentors Matter”
  • The ONE Gas Communications and IT teams for “Making IT Easy – Video Conferencing”
  • Raven Lining Systems for “Small Town, Big Results!”
  • Michael McCulloh and Ginger Renshaw of ONE Gas for “Journey to Citizenship”
  • Kiley Roberson from the Tulsa City-County Library for “Summer Reading Promotional Ad”
  • Michael McCulloh of ONE Gas for “#WellnessWednesday”

Sponsors of the IABC/Tulsa 2018 Bronze Quill Awards included Cherokee Nation Businesses, ONEOK, Williams, ONE Gas, Byers Creative, Miller Photography, Nothing’s Left Brewing Company and Ridgeback Studio.

Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the event.

Meet a Member featuring Jami Lamontagne

Six Facts to Get to Know Jami Lamontagne 

 1. She’s a Communicator, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Granddaughter and Sister

In addition to being a communicator, Jami wears many hats. She’s a mom to two daughters, Kate (5) and Quinn (3), wife to Travis, daughter to Tom and Sherri, sister (she’s the middle child) to Todd and Adam, and granddaughter to her favorite almost 90-year old grandpa, Charley.

2. She Yells “Go Pokes” AND Calls the Hogs

Jami was born and raised in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, which is a town of about 5,000 people with three stop lights. After graduating high school, she applied to only one university – Oklahoma State – and moved to Stillwater where she fell in love with all things orange. She went into undergrad focusing on Journalism/PR and never looked back, but did add a minor in Spanish along the way. She received her master’s degree in Communications at the University of Arkansas while working full-time in Walmart’s International Corporate Affairs division.

3. Jami was Inspired to Become a Communicator at an Early Age

There are a few people who inspired her in different stages of her life. She remembers, as a child, her Grandma Patsy looking up words in the dictionary that she didn’t know the meaning of or how to spell, and encouraged Jami to do the same, teaching her a love for words at an early age. In high school, she worked at the local Kingfisher newspaper, around some truly witty writers, who made the world of journalism and communications seem fun! And, as always, there’s that one professor who takes an interest in you and fuels your passion, Jami had that in her Public Relations professor at Oklahoma State, Shelley Wigley.

4. Storytelling is Her Jam

The best part about her role, according to Jami, “Telling stories, of course!” In Jami’s current role as Senior Director of Communications for Sam’s Club, she has the opportunity to talk to Sam’s Club’s 100,000 associates across the country and share their stories and the great work they’re doing at Sam’s Club to become the membership you love the most. Jami has worked for Walmart for 13 years in multiple communi

cations capacities across the company’s Walmart International division, Walmart corporate, and most recently Sam’s Club, doing everything from media relations and internal communications to speech writing.

5. She’s Working to Become the Next Serena

Although coloring or going to the park with her daughters are at the top of her list of hobbies, Jami also has another hobby she enjoys:  tennis. She’s not really working to become the next Serena, but does love playing tennis in her spare time.

6. Her Tip for Success:  Talk to Everyone

When asked if she has any tips for success, her suggestion:  talk to everyone! In her opinion, networking and best practice sharing are the primary benefits of organizations like IABC. There are so many smart people with different communications backgrounds doing interesting work and you can learn something from everyone. From communicators working in non-profits to corporations, we all have a common mission of sharing information with our stakeholders, whether internal or external, in an engaging and creative way.