Publicity Club of Chicago Announces 2012 Golden Trumpet Awards Winners

CHICAGO (May 9, 2012) – The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) presented Golden Trumpet and Silver Trumpet Awards today to winners in 20 categories at its 53rd Annual Golden Trumpet Awards. The PCC also announced the winners of its four most prestigious awards, chosen from Golden Trumpet Award winners, and honored a prominent Chicago businesswoman with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The organization’s top four award winners are:

• Platinum Award (best overall): Rotary International, “This Close”
• The Elynore Dolkart Meserow Creativity Award (for exceptional creativity): Lincoln Park Zoo’s Project ChimpCare, “Chimp iPad App Playfully Educates”
• The Edwin J. Shaughnessy Quality of Life Award (for improving the quality of life): AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Public Communications Inc., “Change My Story”
• The Jeffrey D. Bierig Brand Builder Award (for enhancing and promoting a brand): The Allstate Foundation, Fleishman-Hillard, “Purple Purse: Domestic Violence Awareness”

The PCC honored Michelle Flowers Welch, founder and chief executive officer, Flowers Communications Group, Chicago, with its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. Welch, a former PCC board member, is well-known in the Chicago public relations community. Her firm manages a variety of public relations programs and campaigns for high-profile clients.

This year, Chicago public relations and communication professionals judged a record 172 entries submitted to the PCC’s Golden Trumpet Awards, a competition that recognizes excellence in public relations and communication. “The Golden Trumpet is the premier awards program for Chicagoland communications professionals,” said Dave Smolensky, PCC president and chief operating officer, Resolute Consulting Inc., Chicago. “The award represents a validation by industry peers of the hard work put forth by communications practitioners on a daily basis on behalf of employers and clients.”

“It is reassuring to see the record number of entries submitted this year. Communications activities are a leading indicator of the economy, and optimistically the significant response the Publicity Club of Chicago received this year is indicative of the recovering economy,” he added.

The 2012 Golden Trumpet Awards was co-chaired by Sue Markgraf, president and founder, GreenMark Public Relations, Mundelein, Ill., and PCC’s immediate past president; and David Bosch, communications director, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Itasca, Ill. Bosch is also a past PCC president.

“In a town known for its great media and public relations campaigns, receiving a Publicity Club of Chicago silver or golden trumpet is more than just getting an award,” said Markgraf. “It means you have earned the recognition and respect of your colleagues.”

“The Golden Trumpets Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work being done by so many public relations professionals in the Chicagoland area,” said Bosch. “The awards program also allows us a chance to recognize those campaigns that excel in creativity, branding, promoting a quality of life initiative and overall public relations excellence.”

Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, co-hosts of ABC 7 Chicago’s popular morning talk and entertainment show, “Windy City LIVE,” were program emcees. In addition, attendees viewed a video presentation produced by PCC board member Jon Kaplan, director of marketing and communications, Safer Foundation, Chicago, in recognition of the organization’s 70th year. The video featured 10 former PCC presidents, two Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, along with the organization’s history and significance in Chicago. Students from Columbia College, Chicago, volunteered at the awards luncheon.

The PCC Golden Trumpet Awards luncheon and program was held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Chicago.

About the Publicity Club of Chicago The Publicity Club of Chicago, founded in 1941, is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. Through monthly luncheons, professional development seminars, a premier awards program and additional events, PCC is a practical resource for providing the tools, technology and tactics Chicago-area professional communicators need to implement high-quality programs and excel in public relations. For more information about the PCC including membership, committees, advertising opportunities and a complete schedule of events, contact the Publicity Club of Chicago:

Web: http://www.publicity.org
Email: office@publicity.org
Office phone: 773/463-5560
Follow the PCC:
Twitter @PCC_Chicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicityClubChicago
Linkedin.com/ Publicity-Club-Chicago

The PCC’s Golden Trumpet Awards recognize individual outstanding achievement in public relations and communications. A record 172 entries were submitted to the awards competition this year. Michelle Flowers Welch, chief executive officer and founder, Flowers Communications Group, Chicago, will be honored with the organization’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.

ABC 7 Chicago premiered “Windy City LIVE” in 2011, showcasing Chicago happenings through talk, entertainment, information and fun. The program airs at 9 a.m. weekdays. Both Warner and Chiaverini were named co-hosts from a field of hundreds of candidates and, in addition to public speaking, Warner and Chiaverini are dedicated to community service and devote much of their time volunteering to various charities and worthwhile causes throughout the Chicago area.

In addition to “Windy City LIVE,” Warner contributes to ABC 7’s programming specials, including the Chicago Lights Festival and Bud Billiken Parade. Her work has been nominated for several Emmy Awards in Chicago and other cities. During her news career, she co-hosted health specials covering topics such as diabetes and breast cancer.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Warner’s family roots have always been in Chicago. An avid runner, she devotes her time to family, including raising her two young children, Zoe and Max. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at San Diego in 1996.

Chiaverini is a former sports anchor for ABC 7’s top-rated weekend newscasts. He joined the station as sports reporter/fill-in anchor in March 2006, and was promoted to sports anchor on the station’s weekend newscasts.

Chiaverini comes from a sports-enthusiast family. His father, Eddie, was a stand-out hockey player and a member of the Sr. Los Angeles Kings. His uncle, Tony, fought Sugar Ray Leonard in a nationally televised super welterweight bout at Caesars Palace in 1979. Chiaverini’s twin brother played professional football for the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons, and is now a football coach at the University of California at Los Angeles.

A native of Corona, Calif., Chiaverini attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he majored in broadcast journalism and played for the Buffalo football team. He enjoys playing hockey and guitar.

The 53rd Annual Golden Trumpet Awards are being co-chaired by PCC Immediate Past President Sue Markgraf, president and founder, GreenMark Public Relations, and David Bosch, communications director, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, also a past president of the PCC. Founded in 1941, the Publicity Club of Chicago is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. For more information, please visit www.publicity.org.

Hot links:

• Windy City LIVE: http://windycitylive.com/index
• Publicity Club of Chicago: www.publicity.org
• 53rd Golden Trumpet Awards luncheon and program: http://www.publicity.org/?p=3209
• Michelle Flowers Welch: http://www.ablechicago.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=8

The PCC’s Golden Trumpet Awards recognize individual outstanding achievement in public relations and communications. A record 172 entries were submitted to the awards competition this year. Michelle Flowers Welch, chief executive officer and founder, Flowers Communications Group, Chicago, will be honored with the organization’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.

ABC 7 Chicago premiered “Windy City LIVE” in 2011, showcasing Chicago happenings through talk, entertainment, information and fun. The program airs at 9 a.m. weekdays. Both Warner and Chiaverini were named co-hosts from a field of hundreds of candidates and, in addition to public speaking, Warner and Chiaverini are dedicated to community service and devote much of their time volunteering to various charities and worthwhile causes throughout the Chicago area.

In addition to “Windy City LIVE,” Warner contributes to ABC 7’s programming specials, including the Chicago Lights Festival and Bud Billiken Parade. Her work has been nominated for several Emmy Awards in Chicago and other cities. During her news career, she co-hosted health specials covering topics such as diabetes and breast cancer.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Warner’s family roots have always been in Chicago. An avid runner, she devotes her time to family, including raising her two young children, Zoe and Max. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at San Diego in 1996.

Chiaverini is a former sports anchor for ABC 7’s top-rated weekend newscasts. He joined the station as sports reporter/fill-in anchor in March 2006, and was promoted to sports anchor on the station’s weekend newscasts.

Chiaverini comes from a sports-enthusiast family. His father, Eddie, was a stand-out hockey player and a member of the Sr. Los Angeles Kings. His uncle, Tony, fought Sugar Ray Leonard in a nationally televised super welterweight bout at Caesars Palace in 1979. Chiaverini’s twin brother played professional football for the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons, and is now a football coach at the University of California at Los Angeles.

A native of Corona, Calif., Chiaverini attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he majored in broadcast journalism and played for the Buffalo football team. He enjoys playing hockey and guitar.

The 53rd Annual Golden Trumpet Awards are being co-chaired by PCC Immediate Past President Sue Markgraf, president and founder, GreenMark Public Relations, and David Bosch, communications director, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, also a past president of the PCC. Founded in 1941, the Publicity Club of Chicago is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. For more information, please visit www.publicity.org.

“The goal is to inform public relations professionals about how to best break through the media clutter around NATO,” said Carlye Fallon, PCC board member and panel organizer on behalf of the PCC program committee. “The panel will provide guidance on an approach and the types of storylines that will get an organization’s message on the docket of the attending media representing more than 50 countries. Also important is for public relations practitioners to manage their clients’/organizations’ expectations in terms of coverage and exposure — what is truly newsworthy for this audience.” Fallon is vice president, corporate affairs, Edelman, Chicago.

Fallon said panelists offer a unique blend of media and public affairs experience, and each consultant has a direct line of communication to NATO:

• Nadine Apelian Dobbs, media consultant, The G8 and NATO Summits, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs: Dobbs knows protocol for media requests, what’s on the attending media’s ‘radar’ and brings a wealth of knowledge from her prior experience at the Council on Foreign Relations

• Deb Fiddelke, senior vice president, public affairs, Edelman, is also Chicago NATO Host Committee member and liaison to Chicago Council of Public Affairs: Fiddelke previously served in the administration of President George W. Bush, and was also part of the Chicago 2016 Olympics bid committee

• Jonathan Eyler-Werve, director, Chicago Summit Project at Community Media Workshop: Eyler-Werve is amassing and owning a global database of all registered media at the summits, and is working with other partners to offer the global media stories about the different communities in Chicago

Moderating the panel is Bill Moller, host, WGN Radio and president, Bill Moller Communications LLC.

The program, which includes a family-style luncheon, is at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Registration and networking with Chicago communication professionals begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. The program begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m. Audience members will have an opportunity to engage the panelists in a question-and-answer period.

Registration information is at http://www.publicity.org on the Web. Early registration rates are available through April 6; late registration rates apply through April 10. Walk-ins are welcome. To register for this event, CLICK HERE

About the Publicity Club of Chicago The Publicity Club of Chicago, founded in 1941, is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. Through monthly luncheons, professional development seminars, a premier awards program and additional events, PCC is a practical resource for providing the tools, technology and tactics Chicago-area professional communicators need to implement high-quality programs and excel in public relations. For more information about the PCC including membership, committees, advertising opportunities and a complete schedule of events, contact the Publicity Club of Chicago:

Web: http://www.publicity.org
Email: office@publicity.org
Office phone: 773/463-5560
Follow the PCC:
Twitter @PCC_Chicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicityClubChicago
Linkedin.com/ Publicity-Club-Chicago
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Speakers include:

Charlie Brooks, CBS Evening News
David Schaper, National Public Radi

Moderated by Mary Frances Bragiel, WLS 890 AM

REGISTER HERE

Date and Time:

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

11:30 a.m.-12:00p.m.- Registration

12 Noon- Program/Luncheon Begins

1:30p.m.- Program Concludes

Ticket Price:

Early Registration (by 5pm June 8th) Members-$40

Non-Members-$50

Students $30

Late Registration (after 5pm on June 8th)
Members- $50 Non Members- $60 Students- $35

Walk-in (online registration closes at 3:00p.m. on June 12)
Members-$55 Non Members- $65 Students- $40

Location:

Maggiano’s Restaurant Floor: 516 N. Clark Street (banquet room entrance on Grand), Chicago

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you need to cancel your reservation, you must call the PCC office by 12:00 NOON on Monday, June 11, 2012 to avoid receiving an invoice for the event.

The hottest new social media site is Pinterest. If you have not yet heard about it, Pinterest is a “pinboard-style” social photo sharing website which allows users to “pin” images and text they find on websites to create their own themed “pinboard” collections. In January 2012, comScore reported that Pinterest had 11.7 million unique users, making it the fastest site ever to exceed 10 million unique visitors. Pinterest, however, raises several vexing legal issues, some of which may be problematic for PR professionals who currently or want to pin. This also impacts your organization’s or your client’s posts on Pinterest.

Pinterest has already caused debate regarding copyright infringement issues. As opposed to Internet search sites like Google, which only store small thumbnail copies of web images on their servers, when a user pins an image to Pinterest, a full size copy of the image is stored on Pinterest’s servers.  Previous cases held that the storing of thumbnail images in a search engine’s servers is a “fair use” and does not create liability for copyright infringement. Because Pinterest stores full size images, it may not be a “fair use” to pin an image you do not own to Pinterest and pinning others’ images may, therefore, constitute copyright infringement.

Pinterest’s Terms of Use place the burden on the user to ensure that the user has the proper rights to pin images. The Terms of Use provide that users are solely responsible for all content they make available through Pinterest and that users represent and warrant that they own the content they make available through Pinterest and that content posted by users will not infringe anyone else’s rights. Further, Pinterest’s Terms of Use state that users will indemnify and defend Pinterest from any claims, damages, etc. based on content posted by the user.

This means that if Pinterest is sued for copyright infringement by the owners of pinned content, Pinterest could try to pass the liability on to the users who pinned the content. While this may not be likely, it is more likely that Pinterest users could be faced with a situation similar to illegal music and movie downloaders. It is certainly possible for owners of large collections of photographs, such as Getty Images or other stock photo suppliers, or a coalition of photographers to bring copyright infringement suits against individual Pinterest users, just as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has done with illegal music downloads and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has done with illegal movie downloads.

Pinterest has a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) policy allowing copyright owners to complain to Pinterest if their copyrighted works are posted to the Pinterest site without permission. If Pinterest receives a DMCA complaint, it must take down the infringing work to avoid liability. Further, in response to concerns raised about copyright infringement, in February 2012 Pinterest introduced “NOPIN,” a metatag function that can be placed on a website to prevent images from being pinned.

In addition to these copyright infringement issues, Pinterest contains other legal traps for the unwary. Pinterest’s current Terms of Use state that users grant to Pinterest:

“a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free license, with the right to sublicense, to use, copy, adapt, modify, distribute, license, sell, transfer, publicly display, publicly perform, transmit, stream, broadcast, access, view, and otherwise exploit such Member Content only on, through or by means of” the Pinterest website or app.”

According to Pinterest’s Terms of Use, Pinterest can resell and license images pinned to the site royalty-free. Read literally, Pinterest’s Terms of Use allow it to set up a stock photo service to license and sell images pinned to the site. Does this license to Pinterest also mean that Pinterest could, for example, print images pinned to its site on t-shirts, mugs or calendars and sell them through Pinterest, again without any royalties to the owners of the images? Pinterest has not done so, but what if Pinterest’s investors seek to increase the revenues generated by the website; or, imagine if Pinterest was acquired by a company that prints images on and sells t-shirts, mugs, etc., such as Café Press or Zazzle, who would then acquire the rights to all of the images pinned to Pinterest.

This broad grant of license rights to Pinterest can also create issues if a company with images pinned to Pinterest was to be sold, acquired or merged or if it was entering into an exclusive licensing or distribution agreement.

So, while Pinterest may currently be the hottest social media site around, it raises several legal issues that one should carefully consider before pinning images to Pinterest or allowing one’s images to be pinned to Pinterest.

The health care industry is significant economic force in the Chicago area, and the city’s media outlets are paying more attention to it than ever before. Three panelists will discuss their work in this vital industry. They are Kristen Schorsch, reporter, Crain’s Chicago Business; Peter Frost, reporter, Chicago Tribune; Bob Ray, medical producer, WMAQ-TV. The panel discussion will be moderated by Kathy Schaeffer, president, Kathy Schaeffer and Associates, Inc., Chicago.

In addition to the program, attendees will enjoy a family style luncheon and exceptional networking opportunities with some of Chicago’s best and brightest communication professionals. Early registration rates are available through March 9; late registration rates apply through March 13. Registration information is at http://www.publicity.org on the Web.

About the Publicity Club of Chicago

The Publicity Club of Chicago, founded in 1941, is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. Through monthly luncheons, professional development seminars, a premier awards program and additional events, PCC is a practical resource for providing the tools, technology and tactics Chicago-area professional communicators need to implement high-quality programs and excel in public relations. For more information about the PCC including membership, committees, advertising opportunities and a complete schedule of events, contact the Publicity Club of Chicago:

Web: http://www.publicity.org

Email: office@publicity.org

Office phone: 773/463-5560

Follow the PCC:
Twitter @PCC_Chicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicityClubChicago
Linkedin.com/ Publicity-Club-Chicago

Bringing trade association experience to her new role, Biederman is responsible for budget management, member relations, event planning and other daily responsibilities for the PCC, the nation’s largest independent public relations member organization.

“I’m thrilled to be the executive director for such an extraordinary group of professionals,” she said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to add my contributions and look forward to continuing the PCC’s great success.”

“When we first met Kim, it was clear her extensive experience combined with her drive for success was a perfect fit for the PCC,” said Dave Smolensky, 2012 PCC president, Resolute Consulting, Chicago. “Kim has been able to hit the ground running. In addition to the vast experience Kim brings to the table, she brings a new level of customer service and membership relations that is clearly beneficial to PCC and the members.”

Biederman’s experience in serving nonprofit member organizations, fundraising skills and communication abilities were key factors as the board considered her for executive director, said Sue Markgraf, 2011 PCC president. “Kim will play an integral role in the PCC’s continued growth,” said Markgraf, president and founder, GreenMark Public Relations, Inc., Mundelein, Ill.

Prior to her joining the PCC, Biederman served seven years as a contractural administrator for the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group (CAPAG). She managed the organization’s member recruitment, member database and website. Biederman was also responsible for the organization’s events and handled financial matters. During the same time period from 2003 to 2009, she also served as a member of the board of trustees for the Village of Niles (Ill.)

From April 1995 to March 2006, Biederman worked for the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), Rosemont, Ill., most recently serving as operations manager. She has held positions as a commissioner for the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Niles; meeting planner with Professional and Scientific Associates, McLean, Va., and was a legislative assistant for the U.S. Rep. Sidney R. Yates, who represented 9^th District of Illinois.

In 1993, Biederman earned a bachelor of science degree in political science and sociology from Illinois State University, Normal. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2002.

Biederman and her husband, Rob, are parents of a son and a daughter. The family resides in Park Ridge.

About the Publicity Club of Chicago

The Publicity Club of Chicago, founded in 1941, is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. Through monthly luncheons, professional development seminars, a premier awards program and additional events, PCC is a practical resource for providing the tools, technology and tactics Chicago-area professional communicators need to implement high-quality programs and excel in public relations. For more information about the PCC including membership, committees, advertising opportunities and a complete schedule of events, contact the Publicity Club of Chicago:

Web: http://www.publicity.org

Email: office@publicity.org

Office phone: 773/463-5560

Follow the PCC:
Twitter @PCC_Chicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicityClubChicago
Linkedin.com/ Publicity-Club-Chicago

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About The Publicity Club of Chicago
The Publicity Club of Chicago, founded in 1941, is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization, providing education and networking opportunities to Chicago’s outstanding public relations practitioners. Through monthly luncheons, professional development seminars, a premier awards program and additional events, PCC is a practical resource for providing the tools, technology and tactics Chicago-area professional communicators need to implement high-quality programs and excel in public relations. For more information about the PCC including membership, committees, advertising opportunities and a complete schedule of events, contact the Publicity Club of Chicago:

 Web: http://www.publicity.org     Email: office@publicity.org    Office phone: 773/463-5560

Maureen Daugherty, Manager, Physician Public Affairs, Advocate Health Care    

Carlye Fallon, Vice President, Edelman

Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz, Director, JJR Marketing

Christina Steed, Vice President, Flowers Communications Group

Welcome aboard and thank you for your service!