IABC Tulsa
MAY 2013

IN THIS ISSUE 

President’s Column
IABC World Conference
World Conference Contest Winner
World Conference Community
ABC Candidate Deadlines
New Website
Upcoming Webinars
Meet a Member
Job Line
Memberships/Anniversaries

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
By Shannon Frederick, ABC, IABC/Tulsa President

IABC/Tulsa’s Membership Co-Chair, Summer Austin, called a few weeks ago with some good news: our local chapter has reached a milestone with a roster that currently boasts 75 members.

Let me put that into perspective for you. Assuming we retain all of our current members and we add one more person, we’ll no longer qualify as a small chapter; we’ll be a medium-sized chapter.

This is great news, yes, and it forced me to do some deep thinking. In order for our chapter to add that one more golden member, we’re going to have to get out and recruit. What would make someone join IABC? Why did I join 13 years ago? Why do I stay a member? Here’s what I came up with:

 

• Networking – Expanding my social network, as well as fostering the strong relationships I’ve already built, is the No. 1 reason that I joined IABC and choose to keep my membership current. There’s always someone in the IABC family who can offer advice on a work situation, job search, chapter business or just about life in general. It’s nice to know so many people who share my passion for this industry!
• Accreditation – This won’t apply to all members (though I wish that it did), but those of us who have earned the distinction of Accredited Business Communicators must retain our membership. It’s simply part of the deal with nearly any professional organization that offers accreditation. No complaints here, though. Being an ABC has opened my eyes to a whole new crop of talented professionals within the profession – and you’ve already heard how much I like networking.
• Professional development – When you’re at your desk all day, it’s hard to stay current on trends in the industry and find time to learn new skills. IABC/Tulsa offers some of the best professional development opportunities in the world. It’s true – remember we received an award for our PD efforts. And let’s not forget the conferences, distance learning opportunities and published materials that IABC affords to its members.
• Mentoring – When I was first getting my toes wet as a professional communicator, it was through involvement in IABC that allowed me to build relationships with some amazing mentors. These seasoned professionals helped me to build my skills for work; fostered my passion for IABC and encouraged me to take on leadership roles at the chapter level; and one very important mentor (you know who you are) pushed me to prepare for the ABC exam. Wouldn’t you like someone to take an interest in your career and help you to be the best you can be?!

Do these thoughts resonate for you? If they don’t, and even if they do, please visit our Facebook page and tell us why you choose to be a member of IABC.

Then let’s all get to work recruiting member No. 76 and pushing our Small Chapter of the Year* to medium-sized!

*P.S. We were also the 2013 International Chapter of the Year…just in case you haven’t heard.
IABC WORLD CONFERENCE
June 23-26, 2013
Hilton New York
1334 Avenue of the Americas, New York

It only takes a minute for New York’s energy to infuse your very bones.

It’s New York! Times Square, billboards on Broadway, restaurants flowing with international conversations and everywhere a confidence and community of spirit that will catch you and welcome you in.  New York’s heart beats with a diversity of flavor that will quicken your pulse and sharpen your mind.

And it’s IABC. A passion for what’s new, the best ideas and the latest trends. It’s all waiting for you this June.

And it’s a world of opportunity you won’t want to miss.

• More than 70 educational sessions in 7 tracks;
• Over 1,500 communication professionals giving you new connections from right next door and around the globe; and
• A host of interactive panel discussions featuring the senior business leaders you want to know.

Register here: http://wc.iabc.com/register/

CONGRATULATIONS, KILEY ROBERSON!

IABC Tulsa is proud to announce that Kiley Roberson, media relations and communications analyst for SemGroup Corporation, is the winner of the 2013 World Conference contest.

Kiley’s entry was selected by judges from IABC chapters in Oklahoma City, Dallas and Kansas City, who were impressed by how active and engaged she has been with the organization since joining in the fall of 2012. As the winner of the contest, she will receive a registration (valued at more than $1,000) to this year’s World Conference in New York City and a $400 voucher to help cover additional costs of travel to the Big Apple.

“I am beyond excited to attend the conference,” Kiley said. “Opportunities like this teach me so much about who and where I want to be professionally.

“One thing I know for sure is that I want to be in Tulsa. I truly believe that our IABC Tulsa Chapter is the absolute best because it’s made up of the best. Our local members are so talented, smart and bring such creative diversity to our group. I am just thrilled to be a part of it and can’t thank our chapter enough for this incredible opportunity.”

This year’s IABC World Conference will be held from June 23-26, and Kiley has agreed to share her experiences in New York with other members. During conference week, look for her real-time updates on the IABC Tulsa Facebook page and possibly on the Twitter feed.

Congratulations, Kiley! We are proud to have you represent us in New York!

2013 IABC WORLD CONFERENCE COMMUNITY IS LIVE
Join the online community for IABC’s biggest event of the year. Connect with fellow attenders and speakers, upload photos, post and comment on blogs and discussions, and stay updated on conference news. Get a preview of great content from articles and discussions with featured speakers.

Visit wc-connections.iabc.com to enter the conversation.

LATEST VIDEOS
Karin Basaraba, ABC: Creating a social media strategy to fit your company’s needs
Steven Schnoll: Tablet and mobile technology
Philip Weiss: Hyperthinking
DEADLINES AND OPTIONS FOR CURRENT ABC CANDIDATES

The accreditation committee has announced new deadlines and options for current candidates to complete the ABC program by September 30, 2013. You may read the letters below to learn more.

ABC Letter
Applicant Letter
Candidate Letter
Leader Regional Chapter Letter

 

UPCOMING REVISIONS TO THE IABC WEBSITE

IABC is launching a powerful new website in June of 2013 — one that will be tailored to your unique needs, optimized for mobile devices, and provides you with a more compelling experience that will significantly add to the value of your membership.

You will have the ability to easily connect to lively online communities, participate in online educational opportunities, learn about face-to-face events in your area, and get access to content that fits your job needs and career goals.

Plus, a simple and efficient customer relations system will make every interaction with the website easier and provide IABC chapters with the tools they need to better serve their members.

For more information check out the FAQs here.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
A benefit of IABC membership is the opportunity to participate in free professional development webinars.

Introduction to visualization
May 14, 2013, 10 a.m. CDT
Presented by Alberto Cairo, Lecturer, University of Miami, School of Communication and author of “The Functional Art: An introduction to information graphics and visualization”

15.7 Ways to maximize your IABC World Conference experience even before you start packing
June 5, 2013, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT
Presented by Karen Susman, speaker, author and coach, Karen Susman and Associates

MEET A MEMBER
IABC Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet a Member” section of the newsletter. This month, we learn more about Natasha Mitchell, senior analyst, internal communications and HR services at ConocoPhillips.

Why do you love your job? I enjoy collaborating with clients on a global platform and the opportunity to showcase what a communicator actually does to those who aren’t familiar with the profession.

How long have you been a member of IABC? Since Sept. 2012.

What is the best IABC meeting/seminar/conference that you have ever attended? Why? “Crisis Communications: When “IT” hits the Fan” with Gerald Braud (Sept. 2012). A lot of the information he was referring to in regards to the media is accurate. Timing is key before and during a crisis. It is especially important, particularly with the addition of social media and public watchdog groups. It’s interesting to view how a company or an individual’s reputation can quickly go sour in a matter of one tweet.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I have networked with other communicators locally; however, I would like expand to meeting others on a national and an international scale.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? Travel with my husband, reading, and writing.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Jamaica, Mexico – any place with a beach.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Brian Culbertson.

What’s your favorite movie? James Bond franchise.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Hard to pinpoint one – love seafood/Louisiana cuisine (New Orleans style).

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is ever evolving. As with all innovation, the direction we innovate is a combination of what is technically possible and what is socially desirable. Technological developments determine the possibilities, but our needs determine which technology will actually break through and remain a facet of our life.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Take advantage of every opportunity possible. Take some time away from the office and attend a conference or participate in a fellowship with other professionals. When collaborating with others, you learn that you aren’t the only one encountering the same problems. What you learn is how to come to a reasonable solution, and in the process, you add another cheerleader to your personal circle of friends.

JOB LINE – LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
Looking for local, regional or international career opportunities? Have an open position and looking for a talented professional to fill it?

IABC Tulsa and IABC International both have career listings available.

IABC Tulsa has new listings available this month!

The IABC Job Centre is the definitive career resource for the communication profession, serving job seekers and employers in all industries and communication functions.

MEMBERSHIP/ANNIVERSARIES
IABC Tulsa would like to recognize our new members and those who are celebrating anniversaries. Reach out and welcome them or congratulate them on their anniversary!

New Members:
Alison Anthony, Williams

Anniversaries:
Joe Williams, Joe Williams Communications, 38 years
Steve Higgins, Williams, 20 years
Chris Kraft, Walmart, 4 years
Lee Anne Mills, Walmart, 4 years
Brad Borror, ONEOK, 4 years
Justin Rushing, Walmart, 3 years
Lizaimee Mata, Williams, 2 years

If you are interested in becoming a member of IABC Tulsa, contact Summer Austin or Stephanie Cole.