Chuck and Cindy are on the outside and inside from left to right are: Patrick Lavigne, Renee Butler and Eleanor Miller. It was great to work with them in San Diego, sending out Talking News Releases directly from their newsroom at the convention to reporters all over the U. S.!
NRECA Sends Talking News Release to over 2,300 Reporters
It was a busy day at the NRECA convention. We worked out of the newsroom and produced a couple of Talking News Releases today and conducted interviews for several that are going out tomorrow.
You can see the first one we did today here: NRECA Convention Release
This release was sent out nationally from the newsroom. We’re mobile! I can’t say how much I liked the internet connection they set up here. It was secure wireless and faster than anything I’ve used yet! In fact, the emails to the reporters went faster than my Dell Inspiron could send them! My Outbox was constantly empty as my contact database program slowly pumped out the release to Outlook. Wish I had that much speed at the office.
Relaxing With The “Uncle”
We just had to post a picture of us at the NRECA convention with our old buddy, “Uncle” Nip Neidert. We worked with Nip at Learfield Communications for many years and he’s still a valued friend and associate. We’re proud of him and the job he’s doing for National Country Market.
Run The Audio & Video Into The Newsroom Please
Here’s what every good newsroom should have in it. It’s a monitor with a video feed from the general session and with it a mult box, which contains the audio feed, allowing multiple reporters to plug in and record the speeches! It makes it so much easier for reporters, especially when the newsroom and ballrooms are so far apart.
The ZimmComm Team Ready For Action!
We just got set up in the newsroom at the San Diego Convention Center at the NRECA annual meeting. We’ve got audio piped in from the General Session Ballroom. Tomorrow former Senator Bob Dole will be the keynote speaker right after Glenn English, NRECA CEO, makes his opening speech. We’ll be using audio from the speeches as well as other audio we collect through personal interviews to include with Talking News Releases that will be sent out nationwide.
Put A Little Corn Power In Your IndyCar
The ethanol industry is getting a new champion. It’s an organization called EPIC (Ethanol Promotions and Information Council). It’s so new that I guess their website isn’t open to the public yet (www.epicinfo.org). But it should be available soon.
I’ll be travelling to Washington, DC this week to attend their press conference. The invitation says it’s an announcement about the IndyCar Series partnering with ethanol. ABC racing broadcaster, Jack Arute, will be emceeing the event. I don’t have information on who the speakers are yet.
The press conference will be at 11:00am, Thursday, March 3 at Union Station. If you would like to attend you can rsvp to Joanna Schroeder by email or calling 515-247-2868.
EPIC appears to be supported by Broin, Fagen, Inc. and ICM. Additional support is provided by ACE (American Coalition for Ethanol) and RFA (Renewable Fuels Association).
At the Commodity Classic last week I was given an invitiation by Tom Slunecka, Executive Director for EPIC. He was visiting with media members in attendance their to solicit interest in the new organization and it’s upcoming press conference.
Next Stop San Diego
The Commodity Classic is behind me and the next stop is San Diego for the NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association) annual convention. Cindy’s with me on this trip as we set up shop in the newsroom to help NRECA distribute Talking News Releases from their convention.
We expect to send out a release about their CEO’s message to the membership on Monday and others as the topics and opportunities arise.
These early morning flights are getting to be the norm lateley. It’s only about 6am St. Louis time.
Later this week I’ll be in Washington, DC for a unique press conference for a new organization that’s been formed to promote the use of ethanol to consumers. Keep an eye out for the announcement which you’ll read first here at Agrimarketing Pros!
Pros And Cons Of Corporate Blogging
I get sent great information from some good friends like Steve who’s been a great resource and guide as ZimmComm plows through the blogosphere.
Here’s an example that contains a link to a great article you’ll find worth reading:
Chuck:
When we first started talking about blogs and their potential for businesses and corporations, I cautioned that they can be a double-edged sword.
I found a really good article on Fortune.com that explores both the upsides and the risks of corporate blogging.
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/technology/articles/0,15114,1011763,00.html
I strongly urge you to read this very comprehensive piece. It gives specific, useful examples of how companies can do this wrong and how they can do it right. It’s not as easy as it looks at first glance.
Steve
Thanks Steve. You have offered great advice. I hope I can repay it someway.