And now, the president...

What's the state of what we do?

It’s that time of year when POTUS “shall … give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”

What about the state of business communication?

With breathless abandon communication prognosticators tout “new” techno tools that we all must master to succeed. Journal articles declare that “new forms of communication are continually emerging” and that it is expedient to change the way we do what we do.

Of course, many cool new tools may come along, but like periodic cicada emergences, after a lot of noise, few remain. Remember Google Wave?

As we bob and weave our way through the various new media toys and trends, there are aspects of excellent communication that do endure. These are qualities or characteristics that really must be mastered and imbue all we do, whether we are preparing a traditional news release, posting to a blog, or live Tweeting from an event:

Truth – As Bruce Hennes, last year’s Communicator of the Year, would say, tell the truth, tell it all, and tell it first. Hennes applies this to crisis situations, but I’m sure he would agree its application is broader. When all we do is embedded in truth, most crises will be averted, or at least much more easily managed.

Integrity – Closely allied with truth, integrity involves honesty in word and deed, accepting responsibility, and always acting ethically. Integrity eschews spin and weasel words, instead laying out the truth in plain language and a straight-forward manner.

Quality – Creating a quality communication piece doesn’t mean it has to be gold-plated. Rather, it’s doing the very best within the boundaries of budget and resources, and producing value that reflects truth and integrity.

My point is simply this: The modes and means of communication may shift endlessly, but these three characteristics, and perhaps others, must remain impermeable to the whims of what’s cool and new and now.

You may have more that you would add to this list. Please share them with me.

Speaking of new and cool…

I hinted last month that changes were afoot. Allow me to put some "toes" on these feet (sorry, I couldn't resist). We will be rolling out a new website in the very near future. Before that, you will be asked to help us choose a new look for our logo. And your board has approved a new sponsorship program that includes opportunities for chapter members to be rewarded for helping us land sponsors. Can you say iPad? If you want a sneak peek at the program, email me and put “IABC CLE Sponsorship” in the subject line.

I hope I'll be seeing you at our February program.

-- Stephen R. Clark, President
stephen@iabccleveland.com

RESOLUTION NEWSBITS:

This year, I resolve to ...

...nominate someone for
2012 Communicator of the Year - Yes, it's that time again! Begin thinking about who you want to nominate. Details with links to the online nomination form are coming soon.

...enter the
2012 IABC Gold Quill Awards - The Gold Quill Call for Entries is now available and can be viewed online. The early bird deadline is January 27, and the final date is February 10.

...attend more
IABC CLE programs – The following are the dates and topics for our monthly programs through Spring 2012. Mark the dates on your calendars and check our website for more details:

§  February 16 (luncheon): How to communicate when you can’t not communicate (joint program with PRSA) Click here to register online.

§  March 22 (luncheon): Successfully engaging employees. Click here to register online.

§  April 12 (luncheon): Business ethics “Family Feud” with a guest panel. Click here to register online.

§  April 17 (evening): Bonus Program! Click here to register online.

§  May 10 (luncheon): Measurement for communicators. Click here to register online.

§  June (evening): Reach for the Top! Stay tuned for details!

IABC CLE Ohio City After Hours Networking Events:

§  February 9: Light Bistro. Click here to register online.

§  March 8: Bier Markt . Click here to register online.

If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Paula DePasquale (paula@iabccleveland.com) or Kate Hawk (kate@iabccleveland.com).

Scott Bedbury headed up brand development at both Starbucks and Nike. He recounts many of his experiences at these companies as he explains how to build strong brands in A New Brand World. This includes engaging customers in your organization's narrative or story as well as creating "bridges to connect the past to the future." And while he points out the merits of data and market research, he underscores the importance of knowing when to go with your gut. This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to better understand the concept and "how to" of branding.

Ye olde year-end missive...

What's in your quilt?

My grandmother Clark -- we called her Mammaw -- loved to make quilts. We, her grankids, passed along all our worn PJs, shirts, skirts, blouses, and the like to her nimble fingers. We got them back recreated into spectacular patterns on amazing quilts. And each quilt was imbued with the warmth of the memories attached to each identifiable piece of fabric, as well as the warmth of our Mammaw's love.

It's that holiday time of year!

For many, a thread of reflection starts unspooling around Thanksgiving and needles through the early part of January. Thinking back over the year, we will stitch together a patchwork of experiences and emotions into a quilt of memories labeled 2011.

What will show up in your memory quilt? I hope at least a couple of pieces will be related to positive experiences you've had as part of the Cleveland IABC chapter.

Thank you board!

I'm very grateful to be blessed with a great chapter board! Several pieces of my 2011 memory quilt will involve working with this delightful bunch of peeps. Your chapter board has worked diligently to bring you practical programs each month and maintain the chapter's health. In the New Year, watch for a website upgrade and a couple more cool surprises they're working on right now!

Kate Hawk and Paula DePasquale are doing a superb job planning and executing our programs. Did you get a postcard in the mail? They put that together. If you missed it, click here for a PDF.

Kristen Sandowksi and her team are working tirelessly to improve your member experience.

Sharon Lamcha provides guidance helping us navigate various challenges.

Lisa Miller exceeds expectations with her communications efforts.

And Mary DaRif does a great job keeping our vision for the chapter in line with our finances.

I'm thrilled to announce that Betsy DuWaldt who was handling our PR with panache*, has agreed to move into the vice president role. This means she will be president for the 2012-2013 season. Additionally, Geof Pelaia has committed to being her VP, ensuring continuity and stability in our chapter's top leadership through at least 2014.

* This means we have an opening on the board for a PR director. Interested?

So, to my board, a big, huge, very appreciative THANK YOU for all the great work you have done and will continue to do in the coming year.

And thank YOU!

Thank you for your involvement in IABC Cleveland and your dedication to professional communications. You are always welcome to step up and help your chapter in a volunteer role. Click here to see a PDF listing several opportunities. I promise you'll gain lots of wonderful memories for your 2012 quilt!

I pray you and yours have a joyous holiday! And I hope I'll be seeing you at our January program.

-- Stephen R. Clark, President
stephen@iabccleveland.com

SUGARPLUM NEWSBITS:

IABC HQ raises dues - The IABC International Executive Board (IEB) has chosen to increase dues by $7 to adjust for inflation. This increase will go into effect on January 1, 2012. This means that your combined national and chapter dues will be $324. The $40 new member application fee remains the same. You are welcome to renew early and avoid the increase. Please note that IABC CLE’s portion of your membership dues is not increasing.

2012 IABC Gold Quill Awards - The Gold Quill Call for Entries (http://www.iabc.com/awards/gq/) is now available and can be viewed online. The early bird deadline is January 27, and the final date is February 10.

Upcoming IABC CLE programs – The following are the dates and topics for our monthly programs in 2012. Mark the dates on your calendars and watch for details and speaker information.

§  January 19 (luncheon): Protecting intellectual property. Click here to register online.

§  February 16 (luncheon): How to communicate when you can’t not communicate (joint program with PRSA)

§  March 22 (luncheon): Successfully engaging employees

§  April 12 (luncheon): Business ethics “Family Feud” with a guest panel.

§  April 17 (evening): Bonus Program!

§  May 10 (luncheon): Measurement for communicators

§  June (evening): Reach for the Top!

IABC CLE Ohio City After Hours Networking Events:

§  Jan. 12: Market Avenue Wine Bar

§  Feb. 9: Light Bistro

§  March 8: Bier Markt

If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Paula DePasquale (paula@iabccleveland.com) or Kate Hawk (kate@iabccleveland.com).

I WAS JUST THINKING…

...About The West Wing

I’m a fan of the TV series, The West Wing. I’ve got the entire series on DVD and go through it about once a year. I’m not necessarily a fan of some of the politics represented, but that’s not really the central thrust of the show.

The show centers around the President’s communications staff. The characters represented are dedicated, intelligent, hard-working men and women who share both a passion for their jobs and an intense loyalty to one another.

Josh, C.J., Toby, Donna, Sam, and the rest are serious, professional, talented, with great senses of humor. They care deeply about doing their jobs well and understand the impact they have on their audience – the American public.

Some are extroverts, some are introverts, all are strong personalities and they don’t always agree. They bump heads, wear their hearts on their sleeves, and get the job done. When one of them needs help, the rest are there to provide support, advice, guidance, or whatever is needed, including, sometimes, a gentle whack of correction.

Brings to mind the members of IABC Cleveland!

You are passionate about what you do. Professional in the way you do it. And you care deeply about your audience and how your work impacts their lives. When you need help, you know your IABC Cleveland colleagues will be happy to help you and one is just a phone call or email away.

...About our history

Did you know that the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) was founded in 1970 as a merger between the American Association of Industrial Editors and the International Council of Industrial Editors? The local Cleveland chapter was actually chartered in 1934.

This means we’re 77 in 2011! Your membership in IABC Cleveland extends a long heritage of communications excellence.

A lot’s changed since 1934! For example, the average cost of new house was $5,970, gas was 10 cents a gallon, and a pound of hamburger cost 12 cents. You could buy a new truck for only $625!

Interesting news for 1934 included the first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster (yes, I believe in Nessie!) and the debut of Donald Duck. The FBI put several hooligans out of business, including Bonnie and Clyde, “Baby Face” Nelson, and John Dillinger. Alcatraz opened and Hitler declared himself Fuhrer of Germany. Pat Boone, Sophia Loren, Bill Moyers, Ralph Nader, and my favorite Dr. Who, Tom Baker, were born.

But before you begin longing for those good ol’ days, they weren’t that good.

1934 marked the beginning of recovery from the Great Depression. Income averaged around only $1600 a year and unemployment was slowly rebounding from a high of more than 600%.

For communicators, Facebook, Twitter, and the Internet did not exist. Television was still a fledgling medium while radio and print ruled.

Good and bad, victories and challenges are mixed throughout every year. 2011 is no different. Just as our 1934 chapter members faced difficulties, they had much to be thankful for. We have much more!

Thankfully, one constant is that professional communicators are still essential to the causes of education, commerce, government, religion, and all areas of society.

We are needed.

Thank you for your involvement in IABC Cleveland and your dedication to professional communications.

-- Stephen R. Clark, President
stephen@iabccleveland.com

TASTY NEWSBITS:

December’s IABC CLE program is a 2-part party! - This year IABC CLE has chosen two very special venues for what's certain to be a delightful Holiday party. Come out for an opportunity to mix, mingle, and network in a casual environment. Join us on Thursday, December 15 for this two-part party! For details and to register, visit our website at www.IABCCleveland.com.

PRSA/SPJ holiday party - From 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, you are invited to join members of SPJ and PRSA at the annual Cleveland Communicators Holiday Party. The cost is only $30 and is being held at the City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. To RSVP by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, go to http://2011cchp.eventbrite.com/.

December is IABC member-get-a-member month - For the month of December, everyone’s a recruiter! For every new member you recruit into IABC, you will receive three free months of membership, up to a full year at no charge. For more information, go to http://www.iabc.com/about/membership/mgam/.

IABC HQ raises dues - The IABC International Executive Board (IEB) has chosen to increase dues by $7 to adjust for inflation. This increase will go into effect on January 1, 2012. This means that your combined national and chapter dues will be $324. The $40 new member application fee remains the same. You are welcome to renew early and avoid the increase. Please note that IABC CLE’s portion of your membership dues is not increasing.

2012 IABC Gold Quill Awards - The Gold Quill Call for Entries (http://www.iabc.com/awards/gq/) is now available and can be viewed online. The early bird deadline is January 27, and the final date is February 10.

Upcoming IABC CLE programs – The following are the dates and topics for our monthly programs in 2012. Mark the dates on your calendars and watch for details and speaker information.

§  January 19 (luncheon): Protecting intellectual property

§  February 16 (luncheon): How to communicate when you can’t not communicate (joint program with PRSA)

§  March 22 (luncheon): Successfully engaging employees

§  April 12 (luncheon): Business ethics “Family Feud” with a guest panel.

§  April 17 (evening): Bonus Program!

§  May 10 (luncheon): Measurement for communicators

§  June (evening): Reach for the Top!

IABC CLE Ohio City After Hours Networking Events:

§  Jan. 12: Market Avenue Wine Bar

§  Feb. 9: Light Bistro

§  March 8: Bier Markt

If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Paula DePasquale (paula@iabccleveland.com) or Kate Hawk (kate@iabccleveland.com).