Embargoes, exclusives, and lead time. Terms every PR practitioner knows well yet as social media platforms continue to prove to be valid sources for breaking news and as news is consumed in real-time from the palm of your hand 24/7 – do they still mean what they used to? And, if they don’t hold the same value, how can you ensure your announcement gains the coverage you are hoping for?
Join PRSA and panel experts Maripat Blankenheim, director of corporate communication from Harley-Davidson, Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and Sean Ryan, reporter for the Milwaukee Business Journal to answer these questions and learn more about making the most of your big announcement in today’s 24/7 world.
Blankenheim is a veteran public relations professional in the greater Milwaukee market. Presently the director of corporate communication for Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Blankenheim has held various PR positions over the past 30 years with Wisconsin Electric Power Co., CUNA Mutual Group and 9to5 National Association of Working Women. She began her career in journalism, working as a reporter and editor for weekly newspapers in southeastern Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from Kent State University.
Sheehy is president of the MMAC which serves as an advocate for member businesses that employ more than 300,000 people in the greater Milwaukee area. Prior to being named president in 1993, Sheehy served in various capacities with the association in governmental affairs and economic development. He currently serves on the board of two of the association’s subsidiaries, the Regional Center LLC and the Milwaukee Development Corp., as well as the MMAC board.
He worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner in Washington, D.C., and is a past recipient of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Congressional Internship. He is a Ford Foundation Fellow on Regional Sustainable Development, a graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management and a certified chamber of commerce executive. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a Bachelor of Science in political science.
Ryan has worked as the Milwaukee Business Journal’s real estate and construction reporter since 2010. During that time, coverage has included Northwest Mutual’s downtown office tower, Amazon.com’s Kenosha warehouse, the apartment boom, Milwaukee’ street and major highway projects including the Zoo Interchange. Ryan holds a degree in Journalism from UW-Madison and served as a reporter for The Daily Reporter construction trade newspaper in Milwaukee prior to joining the Business Journal’s news team. He has received three Wisconsin Newspaper Association Awards and four Milwaukee Press Club awards. In 2005, Ryan received first place from the National Newspaper Association for business story in his paper’s circulation category, and in 2011, he received an Eagle award for best beat reporting from American City Business Journals, the company that owns the Milwaukee Business Journal and more than 40 other U.S. Business Journals.
Coming to the November meeting? We’re collecting adult mittens and hats to donate to the Repairers of the Breach Homeless Day Shelter as part of our ongoing community service project with them.
This event is sponsored by:
Menu:
Breaded Breast of Chicken Sicilian Style, Angel Hair Pasta with Butter and Garlic, Steamed Broccoli Spears with Diced Red Bell Peppers, Vienna Torte
Vegetarian Option:
Cheese Ravioli, Steamed Broccoli Spears with Diced Red Bell Peppers and Green Beans Almondine, Vienna Torte
