Going “Two for Two” on April 18 PRSA Member Town Hall

The Town Hall Team from PRSA during the April 18 Zoom presentation.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Okay, I’m not making this up.  During the April 18 PRSA Member Town Hall, I had some success. Actually success “doubled.”

Let me explain. 

I joined the hour-long presentation — as I had done earlier this year, noted in this February 23 PRDude post — to gain insight into a range of developments within the organization and have the opportunity to pose a question. 

Well, I presented two questions and received a response to both.

First, let me offer a quick recap of sorts.  Participants (and there were close to 100 if I recall) heard from elected leadership and staff regarding the upcoming 2024 Icon Conference in Anaheim, opportunities to apply for membership on the Board of Directors, the status of the the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) program and more.  A member who recently earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential shared heartfelt insight on the challenges faced on her journey and the benefit gained. 

With around 15 minutes left in the Town Hall, I saw that participants were invited to share a question through the Zoom platform, so I did. The scope of my question: I learned (from a local colleague who participated in a recent PRSA Midwest District call) that the Society was aware a sizeable number of members earned Accreditation over the years, but have not completed the required Renewal procedures. In essence, these members no longer should be recognized as APRs. What was being done to address this issue?

PRSA leadership and staff on the Town Hall noted that the impact of the recent pandemic may have been a factor as to why some Accredited members let their credential lapse. Efforts were underway to contact these “delinquent” APRs and encourage them to complete the Renewal process, which is required every three years.  A sound and rational response; perhaps this post will build awareness for the need to renew Accreditation, get members to accept the value behind maintaining the credential, and then completing the process. 

Now, onto the second question addressed. 

Prior to the Town Hall, participants were invited to pose a question online.  My inquiry centered on — if memory is correct — what the Society was doing to encourage or inspire honest and accurate communications by members given the assuredly caustic situations that will arise in the upcoming national elections this fall. 

The response certainly was understandable: PRSA does not take sides on political issues. Still, I’m pleased that the subject was addressed, as guaranteeing the free flow of information is one of the Society’s Code Provisions of Conduct.  Well, to be more specific, the Code works to protect and advance “the free flow of accurate and truthful information.”  Italics are mine. 

I look forward to the next Member Town Hall; and rest assured, I will pose questions. 

 

 

 

A Visit to a Place Where Men and Women of Letters Are Honored

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Perhaps it’s somewhat ironic that the following post, which contains ten images and captions but just a few paragraphs as a narrative, centers on a place here in Chicago that honors and celebrates those who are recognized for their role in literature of all types.  Perhaps there should  be lots more words. 

And, perhaps referring to these authors as “men and women of letters” is a trifle outdated and more appropriate for decades past — certainly in this digitally-driven place and time.  But from this perspective, we still employ letters to construct words, sentences and paragraphs, despite the growing proliferation of emojis, images, and video in communications today.

So, without further ado (a phrase that emerged from another era), here’s the background. On April 4, I had the pleasure of attending “Ink + Impact,” a social gathering and casual discussion hosted by the Better Government Association. The theme of the conversation was “A Celebration of Journalism,” and while I didn’t take notes, one topic addressed certainly resonated: The continued dramatic loss of newspapers, especially in rural parts of the nation, and its impact on modern society across America. The BGA team recorded the conversation, which you can access from this link. 

(The decline of newspapers certainly has been prevalent in recent years, and it was addressed in this space with a post published in February of 2023.)

But it was The American Writers Museum, the venue for the BGA evening event, that I focus on below.  Full disclosure: I had not previously visited the museum, even though I certainly knew of its existence and its location in a vintage office building on North Michigan Avenue. Plus, a friend who works there gave me a comp admission pass a few years ago!  As a “writer” of sorts, I should have made multiple pilgrimages over the years.  Rest assured, I will return. 

In the interim, please enjoy this “travelogue” to honor those Americans committed to the written word. 

The “Ink + Impact” event drew a capacity crowd for the discussion on the state of journalism and access to the Museum.

Not much to add to the message on this panel; to employ a cliché — it speaks volumes.  

One of the many way cool features of the Museum: An interactive display that provides a blueprint of sorts on how literature is made.

Somewhat fitting that a copy of the masterful prose poem by one of Chicago’s most revered writers — one who maintained he never received the respect he deserved — was found in a somewhat disheveled conditioned.

Both Chicago icons from the same era. We received the Chicago Sun-Times while I was growing up, so I certainly was familiar with Ann Landers. And, back in the 1980s, while working at a PR firm located in the 303 E. Wacker Dr. office building, I shared an elevator ride with Studs Terkel; I was somewhat stunned and could only say, “Hello.”

Next to Nelson Algren, Bellow is my favorite Chicago author. Like Algren, he set many of his fictional works in and around Chicago. One commonality between Algren, Bellow and myself: We all lived for a time in or around the former Eastern European immigrant enclave of what’s defined by the city as West Town.

This display features the tool many writers employed since its invention some 150 years ago. Those of us who used to compose on a typewriter — whether in a noisy newsroom or alone — can perhaps still hear the somewhat symphonic sounds.

This main gallery features interactive profiles on American writers representing all genres and spanning the early years of the nation to today.

Well said. And, let me add from cities and towns from north to south, from east to west and everywhere in between.

This colorful display highlights a current exhibit, “Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice,” housed in the Meijer Gallery and Roberta Rubin Writers Room. (Try to say that last name fast five times!)

The Fear of What’s Just Outside the Door

The number of reports of robberies and assaults chronicled on the online CWB Chicago site unfortunately remains quite high.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

These days, on my six-block stroll to catch the CTA Blue Line to get to work, I always walk on a nearby one-way street with the traffic coming towards me. On a casual hike through the neighborhood, I only carry some cash and house keys. I regularly observe every vehicle that passes or is parked nearby. Rarely will I venture out on foot after dark. 

From these few sentences, you can perhaps ascertain that I am addressing a concern of sorts. And, you are correct. 

Simply put, over the past several months there’s been a near daily rash of armed robberies and assaults that are taking place across many parts of Chicago, including our North Side neighborhood. 

I sometimes visit the online site CWB Chicago to read the grisly details: Where the crime took place; the time of day; the age and gender of the victim. All too sadly, the scenario is the same: A group of young men driving a stolen sedan or SUV rush out of the vehicle — guns drawn — and demand wallets, phones, and cash.  Sometimes the victim is struck. Increasingly, these assaults are taking place in broad daylight and on busy streets.  As noted in this Block Club article from today, a woman recently was shot and seriously wounded — on an afternoon on a quiet street just around a mile-and-a-half west of where we live.

Yes, I have questions, as do many. How do these thugs get away with these brazen crimes? Why do they engage in these cowardly, dangerous actions?  Do they find this kind of activity to be “cool” or “hip?” Are they pressured to rob innocent people? Are these so-called — by the media and others — “crews” part of some organized criminal entity?  Is this level of “drive up” robbery taking place in other cities? What can police and other authorities do to mitigate or end this crisis?

And, from another perspective, this question: If continued unabated, what impact will this rash of robbery and violence do to Chicago’s reputation as a place to live, work, do business, and visit? Speaking of visitors, the 2024 Democratic National Convention will take place here in August, bringing the focus of media from around the world to Chicago. 

In the past, I’ve published posts with the perspective of “what can public relations do” to address a challenge. This post from 2013 took a somewhat whimsical perspective on the value of sound public relations regarding a natural phenomenon literally falling from the skies. The random robberies taking place certainly don’t merit any light-hearted commentary. 

Regarding the subject of this post, I hope it will bring greater awareness of the problem and that neighbors will vigilant and steadfast in doing their utmost to stay safe.

One more question: When will this end?

A “Double Header” PR Kind of Day

This screen shot shows the key speakers at the February 22 PRSA Town Hall: 2024 Chair Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC and CEO Linda Thomas Brooks.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Yesterday, February 22, 2024 will go down in my personal annals as a day where two somewhat momentous — and certainly relevant to me — events took place related to the practice of public relations. 

Perhaps “momentous” is too extreme a word for what I’m about to share. I’ll let you decide. 

Let’s start with the online Town Hall meeting held that afternoon by the Public Relations Society of America. I’ll get the disclosure reference out now: I’ve been a PRSA member for more than 20 years. 

In the days leading up to the Town Hall, participants were invited to share a question for consideration on the zoom call. The conversation led by 2024 PRSA Chair Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC and CEO Linda Thomas Brooks initially addressed topics related to the Society’s membership growth, diversity initiatives, member benefits and a few others.  I also learned that connections made through PRSA membership even led to marriages.

Then, at around the three-quarters-of-an-hour mark in the conversation, Ms. Brooks shared a question regarding how PRSA would cope with issues of misrepresentation of the profession in the media and public at large. 

It was the question I submitted!

Ms. Brooks noted that this topic, which has been covered by The PRDude frequently, was a regular topic of discussion within the Society.  She said PRSA did not have “the bandwidth” to tackle this challenge on a concerted basis — which I certainly understand.  However, the PRSA Code of Ethics, the established communications guidelines for members, provides “a visceral reminder” that all members in good standing should work to correct instances of public relations misrepresentation.  One participant noted in the Chat box that a copy of the Code of Ethics is attached to client new business proposals.

A small step, perhaps, in my quest to battle the all-too-frequent media references to “a PR nightmare,” but a step in the right direction. 

Later on Thursday, I participated in a lively meet-up/reception and presentation on an evolving topic that without question is very relevant to public relations and many other professions and industries today.  You guessed it: Artificial Intelligence. 

The Communication Leaders of Chicago group, comprised of public relations professionals from the agency, corporate, non-profit, and other communities, hosted the event, which was highlighted by a panel discussion held in a spacious room at the College of Communication at DePaul University downtown. 

An analysis of findings from a survey of CLC members on the use and impact of AI were presented by the panel of academics, and the results will be shared in the days ahead with CLC members. I didn’t take notes, but I came away with the conclusion that, like just about every other field that includes some sort of communication, public relations practitioners will one day soon need to incorporate AI in some way.

This led me to ponder the question: Will I someday use AI to craft PRDude blogs? My answer: Not any time soon.

The evening panel discussion offered insight into the state of AI based on survey results.

Pop Quiz: Can You Identify The Cartoon That Most Accurately Represents Modern Strategic Public Relations?

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

To the outstanding illustrators who created these wonderful cartoons, and to their respective syndicators, please note: I am using this art for an educational purpose only. I do not gain any financial benefits from publishing this blog.

For the past five or so years, I’ve spoken to students in an English class at the university where I work. The class centers on writing, and the focus of my presentation centers on the public relations profession and potential career opportunities for students with writing skills — like English majors.

My short talk includes an overview of modern public relations, job prospects, skills needed, strategic plan development, and the benefits of public relations in modern society. Plus, I deliver a quiz of sorts. 

Actually, the “quiz” is comprised of the four cartoons shown above. My directions to the students: “Based on what I’ve just presented, which of these four cartoons most accurately demonstrates modern strategic public relations?”

You, kind reader, are welcomed to share your answer.

Need some direction? Then visit this link, which is part of the APR Study Guide, available for download to anyone preparing to earn the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential, or for that matter, anyone interested in strategic and ethical public relations.  (An aside: When I served on the Universal Accreditation Board years ago, I was on the team that conceived and published the first APR Study Guide. If memory serves correctly, I was a copy editor.)

Over the years, I’ve frequently addressed the frequent misrepresentation of public relations in the media, online, and in general conversations with family and friends. My New Year’s Eve 2017 post even included a resolution of sorts for fellow communicators: Challenge instances where public relations is inaccurately portrayed.

Three of the cartoons above somewhat demean public relations; one does not, to some extent. And, your answer is? And why?

Perceptions on the State of the Union: My Annual Visit to the Nation’s Capitol January 2024

This neon artistic perception of the nation demonstrates positivity and illustrates the broad scope of people and culture.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

The image above, which shows the Nam June Paik installation, Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, provides a quite “illuminating” perspective of the nation.  The boundaries of each state show relevant images or video footage. Illinois, for example, had digital perspectives on its most famous son, Abraham Lincoln.

Taking time to tour museum featuring American art was a highlight of my visit last week to Washington, DC.  Yes, loyal readers might recall that my debut post of the year has been inspired over the years by thoughts on the state of the union and more, as I participate in the Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board. (For a reference, here’s the January 2023 commentary.) And an aside: TRB 2024 attracted some 13,000 transportation researchers, scholars, and professionals from across the world, an indication that needed studies continue to help develop safer and more efficient transportation networks.

Steady rain some days last week prevented me from taking an extended stroll — between attending relevant meetings, receptions, and lectern sessions, of course — along the National Mall.  But I did carve out an hour to visit the SAAM, which is also housed in the same grand museum complex as the National Portrait Gallery.

A focus of the debut PRDude post for the year has long centered on what I observe during my visit to Washington and its relevance or perspective to the 12 months ahead for the United States of America and its citizens. From one perspective, the nation is grappling with what many may consider a serious “public relations challenge.”  Without question, in this national election year we face: A highly caustic and ever-growing toxic political environment; a former president facing multiple criminal trials; the impact of two wars overseas on our station in the world; mounting concerns involving global climate change; the unchecked influx of migrants into the country; a growing budget deficit; and certainly several more.

But from another perspective, the nation continues to collectively and metaphorically march on.

What follows are some images taken last week, with captions that offer perspectives — mostly positive — on metropolitan Washington, DC.

Yes, the White House still sits majestically along Pennsylvania Avenue across from Lafayette Square. During my morning stroll, I was among a handful of visitors. Access to Pennsylvania Avenue was restricted, otherwise I would have gotten a closer look.

A short walk from the White House takes one to McPherson Square, shown here clean and somewhat serene. During my visit in 2023, I found a homeless encampment on this site with people living in some 50 tents.

Hey, as you may know, I’m a big transit guy. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provided me (and certainly many others) with continued safe, regular, and affordable train and bus service.

The pandemic impacted commercial real estate in a big way as more office employees nationwide work on a hybrid schedule. This image shows a wonderful ground floor space for lease along K Street, known as a thoroughfare dominated by lobbying groups, law firms, advocacy organizations, and trade associations.

Here’s another reason I look forward to my next visit to DC: Renowned chef and great humanitarian Jose Andres is opening a food station in Reagan National Airport. I will make a point of visiting.

And, even when viewed through a window at Terminal 2, the Washington Monument still commands a dominant presence over the Capitol. Note construction cranes in the distance, testimony to new development and the continued growth of America and the economy.

So, what to conclude from these words and images?

From a personal perspective, just being in Washington is inspirational. Although I did not have the opportunity to visit the Capitol or Supreme Court buildings, I did gain from the few minutes spent viewing the statues of Revolutionary War heroes in Lafayette Square: France’s General Marquis Gilbert de Lafayette, Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau, Poland’s General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, and Prussia’s Major General Baron. These men sailed from Europe to help build our nation because they believed in the premise of democracy.

Then, before heading back to my hotel and MARTA ride back to Reagan National, I sat in a pew in St. John’s Church, noticing on the way out that Lincoln regularly came to the small house of worship, always sitting in the last pew on the left.

So my gain? That I remain proud to be an American citizen, and I remain confident that we as a nation will address the challenges ahead and find resolution. If you’re still with me, I do plan to participate in TRB 2025, and rest assured: This space will offer a perspective on the nation next January.

One Image, One Resolution on the Eve of a New Year

Looking west across the Wolf River toward the humble community of Fremont, Wisconsin during the early evening hours on a late September day.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

The dregs of a stubborn cold has made this holiday season one that kept me from celebrating as I have in the past.  Plans to take in the beauty and majesty of Christmastime in and around Chicago were dashed in favor of staying close to home.

So, with no big plans to usher in the year ahead, how to spend these remaining hours of 2023? Well, draft a quick post, of course!

This submission has two simple components.

1. The image above taken on a fishing trip to the central Wisconsin hamlet of Fremont is the most memorable of the year about to pass. As a youngster, my family frequently would spend summer vacations in Fremont, fishing in the Wolf River, swimming in nearby Partridge Lake, and just enjoying a week away from Chicago.  The town, aside from a recently-built garish establishment along Wolf River Drive, looks pretty much the same.  And, the Wolf River — a truly natural and still wild waterway — has retained its character and beauty.  (For the record, this space has referenced the Wolf River in the past, most notably this 2020 post, where I found solace in the sound of a carillon.)  What’s not depicted in this photo were the swarms of birds, perhaps one hundred or more, flying in some kind of formation, then flying away. It’s this kind of simple act of nature and observation that resonated with me that September day while fishing off a dock across from town. 
   
   
2. Exactly one year ago today, I published this post with three “resolutions” to pursue in 2023. For the record, I kind of fulfilled them all! For 2024, I do plan to focus on the concept of being, well, resolute in as many actions and decisions as possible. Looking back on my life and career as a “modern strategic communicator,” there were too many times I succumbed to pressure and intimidation — from people I worked with and people I just interacted with.  That ain’t happening anymore. For clarification, I do not plan to denigrate into a jerk; but in the year ahead and beyond, I will remain steadfast in my beliefs and my actions. 

Hey, drafting this post has proven to be therapeutic.  I’m off for a short walk while there’s still some daylight left in the year winding down.  A Happy New Year to all. 

Author and Storyteller Coach Rob Biesenbach Opens Up on Transition From Agency Life

Rob Biesenbach

By Edward M. Bury, APR, AM (aka The PRDude)

Actually, Rob Biesenbach, the subject of today’s question and answer profile, made his mark in this space way back in 2014. As noted in this post, Rob led a compelling breakfast workshop on a subject now so equated with modern public relations — the art of storytelling. Since that day nearly a decade ago, I’ve connected with Rob at various events here hosted by PRSA Chicago and other organizations. Plus, I gain from reading his regular column published in the PRSA Strategies & Tactics magazine. A few weeks ago, we shared conversation on two subjects close to our hearts: The state of public relations and rock and roll.  When asked to join the roster of Q & A feature subjects, Rob did not hesitate. What follows are insightful responses to five questions delivered in Rob’s straightforward, evocative, and conversation style.

1. Your business centers on guidance designed to improve communication skills for business leaders. What prompted you to launch your own company?

The last time I worked for someone other than myself was as a VP at a PR firm. It was a great experience, but I found that the higher up I went in the agency, the less time I was able to spend on the actual work of creating, which is what I really love and which I’m best at. Instead it was about managing staff and client relationships, participating in meetings and task forces and all the other responsibilities that go along with upper management in any organization. So to get closer to the work, I decided to go out on my own and I’ve been doing that happily ever since. I spend most of my time now creating, whether it’s a new keynote speech, a workshop module, an engaging audience experience, a book, video or article.

2. Please offer a snapshot on the kind of services you provide.

I deliver keynote speeches, lead workshops and conduct one-on-one coaching with leaders who want to become more persuasive and authoritative communicators. That means helping them put down the PowerPoint, tell their story and communicate like humans should. So storytelling and presentation skills are my two big areas of concentration within the communication discipline.  I also write books that tens of thousands of readers have found helpful to their businesses, their careers and their lives. That last one is no exaggeration. A reader I met this summer at a workshop was in tears telling me how using my approach to crafting her story actually led to a huge revelation for her — about who she is as a professional and as a person. It was really gratifying.

3. Like many communicators, you had an impressive career in the agency world at Ogilvy and at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Do you miss working in more “traditional” public relations positions?

No. Even at the agency I wasn’t doing “traditional PR,” like media relations. My focus was on what was then a very non-traditional area: internal communications. It’s hard to believe now, but it was pretty unusual — even revolutionary — back in the mid/late ‘90s. In fact, we didn’t even know what to call this new thing we were doing. We named it “Workplace Communication.” But people inside the organization were slow to understand and embrace it. So I was a bit of an outlier anyway, which was another sign that my days in “traditional” PR were numbered.

4. One cool insight I learned is that you participated in the legendary Chicago improv group, Second City. How did your work there translate to work you do for clients or during speaking engagements?

First, I should stipulate that I studied for several years at Second City’s Training Center. So I was a student — not appearing on one of the main stages like John Belushi, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key and other stars who got their start there.  But my time there led to an almost 15-year career as a stage, commercial and film actor — which I did on the side while running my business!  At some point in that journey it occurred to me that everything I was doing on stage and in front of the camera could be applied directly to the problems my business clients face. Both acting and business require us to communicate clearly and vividly, to tell stories, to bring energy to a room and much, much more.  So that became the basis of my speaking and coaching business: using lessons from the world of show business to help people succeed in their business.  In addition, the performance skills I learned have vastly improved my ability to present my content in a way that’s lively, engaging and fun. Finally, my intensive study of storytelling, which included two years of sketch and screenwriting, made me both a better storyteller and a better teacher of the storytelling craft.

5. Now, let’s get down to rock and roll! In a recent conversation, we learned we both are passionate about music. Please share thoughts on the most memorable concert you attended.

2012 was a big year for me. I was planning a December wedding (my first — and last!), while my father was in his final, sad stages of a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A week before he died, I was with him in Washington. Then I returned to Chicago, where I had tickets to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley Field. It felt relatively trivial at the time, but it was life-changing. During one extended song, Springsteen repeated this refrain over and over: “Are you missing anybody?” Of course, foremost in his mind was his recently departed friend and band mate Clarence Clemons. But it felt like he was speaking directly to me (and probably thousands of others there that night). Then he said, over and over, like a mantra or a spell, “Think of who you’re missing, and let ‘em stand alongside you a while.” And honestly, for a moment it felt like my father was right there. A few songs later, the skies opened up and it started pouring down rain. It didn’t stop, and neither did Bruce. He kept right on playing, and he greeted the storm with the song, “Waiting on a Sunny Day.” It was like a cleansing ritual. Or a baptism. A week after the concert, my father died. Three months later, I got married. At the reception I gave a toast to my father, to my new bride and to our friends and family, closing with, “To the rainy days we’ve seen, and the bright, sunny days that always follow.” Then we played the song. It felt like closing one chapter of my life and starting another. My dream is tell Bruce this story one day.

Normal Redux: What’s Old and New at ISU

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

It would have been easy to title this post, “Getting Back to Normal Part 2,” or something similar. The reference being a series of two August 2014 posts — one with a few graphics, the other offering more insight — that chronicle a visit nearly a decade ago to the town and university that helped shape me as a person and my career as a communicator.

So, I wrote a title with a little more refinement.  And: Hey, there’s a rhyme element!

What follows is a recap of my three days and two night last week at Illinois State University in the Central Illinois community of Normal. There were many possible directions for this post given what transpired during my visit; so, to keep the read somewhat palatable, I decided to share bullet point perspectives along with images.

Ready?

• Chicago to Normal Via Amtrak: It’s been nearly a half century since I road an Amtrak train from Chicago to Normal. From one perspective, the train stations where I began and ended my journey were much improved, with the historic Union Station in the West Loop bustling with people and still mesmerizing with its grandeur and size, while the new Uptown Normal Station provided passengers with a sleek, clean and modern ending point.  But on the 125 or so miles in between, I gazed out the window and frequently saw the underbelly of Chicago and its environs — graffiti, manufacturing plants, truck depots — until the train made its way south of Joliet; then, after passing a final massive warehouse, the view mostly offered the flat fields of Illinois from horizon to horizon. On some stretches I saw windmill farms, structures competing with the land where our food is grown.
• The New Normal: Some clarification here: The title of this section should not be interpreted as a cliché. The business district, named Uptown Normal, is much different than the one of decades past. The near century-old Normal Theater still commands a position on North Street, and some vintage two-story brick structures remain. However, well-designed new multi-purpose residential and commercial properties were constructed over the decades, and a traffic-calming circle was built.  Joining the towering Watterson Towers dormitory are two modern hotels, adding to the town’s allure as more than just a college town. In essence, Normal has progressed while maintaining its charm and character. 
• The ISU Campus: Reflecting on my days as an undergrad student, the ISU Quad (or Quadrangle if you prefer) remains the literal and figurative center of the University. It maintained that position to me during my short stay. After an excellent lunch downtown (correction: Uptown) with an old friend shortly after my check in at the modern Marriott Hotel, I strolled west a few blocks west to the Quad. As I recall, every tree native to Illinois grows on the Quad, and even on a December day, the space offered a somewhat calming perspective for all traversing to and from the many campus buildings, some more than a century old, others sleek and contemporary. On a subsequent visit, I encountered guys playing tag football and a spirited group of people near an electric Hanukkah menorah singing songs.
• ISU Academics: As an English major and Journalism minor, the foundation for my career was built at ISU. I wanted to learn about public relations and related academic programs, and as you can ascertain, the state of English as a course of study today. In an office on the fourth floor of historic Fell Hall, I visited with a professor in the School of Communication who shared insight on the ISU PR curriculum, the state of the profession, and challenges facing communicators today. (Full disclosure: Like me, the professor holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential.) Across the Quad stands Stevenson Hall, which houses the Department of English; there, I learned that a creative writing professor who once championed a short story I wrote has retired and, as true at liberal arts academic departments everywhere, there’s a big concern over the impact of artificial intelligence on future enrollment numbers. 
• Final Thoughts and Observations: Attending school at ISU was the first time I lived away from Chicago; but I quickly made friends with dorm mates and other people I met.  While visiting various places on campus — from having a bowl of soup at the way cool Bone Student Center to a concert at the Woonsok Kim College of Fine Arts recital hall — I felt welcomed and part of the campus community. Or from this perspective: Did I ever really leave? Another observation: I witnessed many, many students wearing ISU-branded shirts and sweaters, perhaps testimony to their commitment to the University. In summary, ISU and the town of Normal continue to evolve and continue to thrive on the heart of the Illinois prairie. 

I could share more words, but let’s move on to some images.

The Union Station Great Hall Christmas tree is, well, pretty great. Plans are underway to improve this magnificent testimony to Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub.

The flat Illinois Prairie looks bleak and uninspiring. However, one can find tranquility and calm.

Uptown Normal was festive and decked out in holiday splendor.

Shorty’s Barber Shop. located in a lower level space on North Street, is 100 years old! And, yes, I even got a haircut while on my visit.

Riding the Connect Green Line bus, I spent a few hours in downtown Bloomington, where the historic Court House now houses the McLean County Museum.

The ISU Quad with the castle-like Cook Hall in background; a truly memorable place.

Watterson Towers, where I spent my sophomore year, looked festive and in the holiday spirit.

And, I and others leaving the Milner Library took in a fantastic sunset from the ISU campus on the pedestrian bridge over College Avenue.

Judging Influencer Relations: Insight Into This Ever-Expanding Practice in Modern Public Relations

Image courtesy of diggitymarketing.com.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Over the years, I have had the pleasure and honor to serve as a judge for public relations awards competitions hosted by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) chapters from across the nation. Each year I look forward to this exercise for these reasons:

• I get first-hand insight into the latest strategic communications programs executed by agencies, companies, organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Judging awards lets me contribute to the advancement of the profession by helping to recognize campaigns that demonstrate best practices. 
• Serving as a judge contributes to the continuing education credits I need to maintain my Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential.

It’s the first of these that is the focus of this post.

A few weeks ago, I participated as a judge for a PRSA Chapter that will remain nameless. Rest assured, it’s not PRSA Chicago, where I’m a member of long standing. To maintain confidentiality, that’s all I’ll say.

Initially, I judged campaigns centered on what assuredly is the general foundation of the communications practice that has evolved into public relations — media relations; and for the record I was very impressed with the strategies, research, execution, and results of the communications plans submitted. 

But as the competition deadline neared, managers asked if I could judge a category of modern public relations that — in all honesty — I did not have a great deal of experience in executing: Influencer relations.  

Let me clarify: I actually have never incorporated influencer relations, a relatively recent communications tactic, into a communications program. In fact, those of us charged with public relations may be at odds as to exactly what qualifies as “influencer relations.” According to this essay from July, incorporating an acknowledge “influencer” — someone who has cultivated a reputation for expertise or understanding of a particular subject, product, or topic mainly through an online presence — into strategic public relations is not a legitimate practice. The author offers some sound arguments, for sure.

(An aside: Back in 2021 I published this post with a perspective on how a post on the popular Nextdoor community site led to an onslaught — well at least for me — of replies, perhaps elevating me to “influencer” status.)

Back to my responsibilities as a judge. In reading the entry overviews, I found that the strategies behind selecting a particular influencer and incorporating that individual’s performance as a way to build awareness were rational and effective. I learned that there are various “levels” of influence. In fact, an article published by the marketing firm Kynship maintains there are 26 types of influencers!  The entries I judged mostly used influencers that can be categorized by the number of followers on Instagram. These ranged from the Micro (5,000 to 100,000) to the Mega (1 million plus.)

My key takeaway from this experience: The practice of public relations continues to evolve by incorporating advancements in technology and human behavior to reach objectives stated within the specific communications plan. 

Clearly, there’s much more I can learn about influencer relations. My recent volunteer judging experience helped open the door.