Monthly Archives :

November 2014

  • Admin
  • No Comments

From start to finish: Centennial College post-grads plan charity events
779 550 Admin

Authors: Jessica Chong & Katryna Fernandes

 

Student highlight: Centennial CCPR event class

 

Every year, Centennial post-graduate students must plan a charity event. Groups of four to six students and are given just under two months to plan a charity event with no budget. Add a final grade to the event and the stakes are even higher.

At the Pickering campus the events management course requires students to plan, promote and execute an event. In the Durham region with a smaller population to work with and few local business and facilities, the challenge was fierce. Groups were tasked with raising at least $1,000 for a charity of choice.

 

Centennial event blog

 

Group 1: Pushing for Power

Untitled At one Centennial campus, students were working on the “It’s Time” campaign to raise awareness  for the International Day of People with Disabilities recognizing the power of disabilities. “Pushing  for Power” sought to raise funds and awareness for CAF‘s It’s Time campaign!

Promoted entirely over social media using the Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram  (@PushingForPower) the event generated coverage from the Ajax-Pickering Advertiser and Snap’d  Newspaper.

MUMBA, the Markham-Unionville Minor Basketball Association, sponsored the venue and also  provided the trophy, medals for the top three teams and reversible jerseys for players. Starbucks  and Kerry’s Pizza provided refreshments and the wonderful referees, scorekeepers and volunteers  kept the tournament running smoothly.

A total of 14 prizes were raffled, including $350 in gift cards, signed Adam Folker basketball gear,  signed Raptors merchandise donated by MLSE and tickets to the February 2 Raptors game vs. the  Milwaukee Bucks.

Every aspect of the event was sponsored or donated and all funds generated went directly to the

charity. In total $1,779.68 was raised for CAF.

 

Group 2: More than just a Brew

fAt the other Centennial campus, another team organized a coffee and tea tasting event at Aroma Espresso Bar at Bay and Dundas, featuring a guest speaker, live entertainment and sustainable activities centered on coffee culture. The eco-themed event showcased organic Pluck Teas with locally sourced ingredients from Niagara, Muskoka and Prince Edward County.

During the two-hour event, $1,500 was raised. These funds will directly benefit underprivileged children in local neighbourhoods through Evergreen’s children education programs.

 

fsd

 

Tips for planning your event

1. Sponsorship

 Pound the pavement early

Sponsorship takes time and a personal touch. It was a challenge finding time to visit businesses during the day with class, part-time jobs and group work. Prioritize the time because raffle and auction items can be a big incentive for some guests.

Leverage your personal network

Don’t underestimate your personal connections. One instructor, Chrissy Newton, encouraged students to reach out to contacts in their personal networks. Through a previous internship, we reached out to The Body Shop’s head office which led to an armful of products for a raffle gift basket.

2. Promotions and media relations

Aim for a mix of pre and post-event coverage

Send tailored pitches to key media. I contacted Karen Bliss, the founder of Samaritan Magazine.. While she was unable to attend our event, she offered pre-event coverage. We also reached out to media featuring community events including City Nights, BlogTO and Snapd.

Be optimistic and don’t get discouraged

Reach out to media and influencers, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back. You never know when your cause might resonate with someone. At the very least, they might give you pre-event coverage or a social media mention.

3. On-site at the event

Don’t fret over minor issues

Try to envision your event down to the nitty-gritty details leading up to your event, including raffle signage and assigning someone to take care of the band. Remain cool, calm and collected. The unexpected will happen. At our event, coat racks overflowed, signage didn’t stick well to textured walls. You can’t let the small stuff exacerbate your stress during the event.

Recruit reliable volunteers

I asked a few Centennial peers and my close university friends to help at the event. Find volunteers to help with minor setup and teardown tasks so you can focus on bigger tasks.

asdf

 

fds

In total, Centennial College teams at the Story Arts Centre and Pickering Campus planned events in support of 16 organizations listed below. What other advice would you give to students planning events through school?

  • Jumpstart
  • Evergreen
  • The Children’s Breakfast Club
  • Interval House
  • Sketch
  • Red Door Family Shelter
  • Variety Village
  • Kids Now
  • Look Good Feel Better
  • Toronto Mental Health Association
  • Greenhope for Children
  • Leave Out Violence (LOVE)
  • Wilkinson Jr. P.S.
  • Canada Cares
  • Feed the Need in Durham
  • The Canadian Abilities Foundation

 

Jessica

Photo 2014-10-15, 5 01 47 PM

Jessica and Katryna are both students in Centennial College’s CCPR program and are student representatives on CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee.

  • Admin
  • No Comments

Event post: Work Hard, Play Hard student pub night social
1920 1080 Admin

20141119_211219

On Wednesday, November 19, CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee held its first-ever pub night social. Work Hard, Play Hard invited students and young professionals from around the GTA to join in on a casual night of networking. Students from Centennial, Humber and Seneca were present, as were some young professionals fresh in their careers.

Everyone had a great time and we look forward to hosting another pub night social in the new year!

20141119_211122

 

 

A few choice tweets from the night:

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.09.27 PMScreen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.09.39 PM

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.09.56 PMScreen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.10.01 PM

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.09.45 PMScreen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.09.16 PM

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.10.07 PMScreen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.10.30 PM

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 2.10.20 PM

 

  • Admin
  • No Comments

Why I joined CPRS
298 421 Admin

Read our first winning submission from the new CPRS Toronto Student Blog Contest!

New topics are posted every two weeks, so be sure to submit your content for your chance to win. The next topic will be announced Saturday, November 22.

unnamed

The Best Career Move I’ve Made and Why You Should Do the Same

My fellow soon-to-be industry professionals, I’m about to let you in on a not-so-secret secret of mine: the top 4 reasons I joined CPRS (also known as ‘The Top 4 Reasons Why You Should If You Haven’t Already’ list). So without further ado, here’s why becoming a member was the best career move I’ve made so far:

1.NETWORKING

Let’s get the obvious one on the table first: PR is All. About. Networking. This is rule #1 in the handbook, and for good reason. As individuals not yet employed in the field, being a member is a great way to mingle with those who are. As a student member, you’re given access to the Membership Directory in which hundreds of new contacts are at your fingertips. You are immediately connected with like-minded individuals who share your passion and drive. Basically career gold.

2. VOLUNTEERING

In the very competitive world of PR, internships are the Holy Grail; highly coveted, hard to obtain. So how does one land an internship? It’s no secret that experience helps tremendously. And how does one gain experience? Enter volunteering. Nothing shows commitment to a goal more than offering your time and efforts without being paid. As a student member, you are given priority over non-members in terms of volunteering opportunities, including spending time at the ACE Awards, CEO Award, Annual General Meeting and other fun events. With volunteering, you are able to gain some seriously valuable knowledge, meet some hard-working and intelligent people and add some seriously good things to your resume. Win-win-win.

3. EVENTS

The CPRS Student Steering Committee doesn’t play around when it comes to the events they graciously plan. The exceptional Passport to PR event sold out within 3 hours of registration opening, and guess who got first dibs on their choice of PR agencies and offices to tour? As a student member, you’re always the first to be able to sign up for events like Passport, as well as others. Even before you’re given the first opportunity to register, all student members receive a very considerate reminder email regarding the coming event. Being a member ensures you never miss the signup date for events that may catch your eye.

4. GETTING TO PARTICIPATE IN AWESOME INITIATIVES LIKE THIS BLOG

(This one is arguably the most rewarding) Being able to write for CPRS and have my own personal post featured for my peers to see is definitely an accomplishment, but something I wouldn’t have been able to do before becoming a member. As a recognized student within CPRS, you are given opportunities to succeed in an environment filled with people you respect and look up to that non-members simply don’t have access to. When I first came across CPRS while researching public relations, I never would have guessed my blog post would be read by students just like me, but I’m grateful to say that it is, and there’s absolutely no reason why the next contributor couldn’t be you… or you… or you. Just remember folks: to observe is one thing, but to actively participate is quite another.

So there it is! Waste no more time missing out on the events, networking and opportunities awaiting you. And trust me… the grass is greener on the members’ side.

(Also, to make your life easier: https://www.cprstoronto.com/studentmembershipapplication/)

 

IMG_9150
Cheyenne Freitas is a fourth-year political science and media studies student at the University of Toronto. Find her on:

LinkedIn

  • Admin
  • No Comments

New benefits for members!
305 96 Admin

There are now more benefits to being a member of CPRS Toronto. In addition to our recent partnership with Perkopolis, members now can enjoy major discounts from UPS and Law Assist. For more information on member benefits, please see visit the Benefits and Services section of the national website.

  • Admin
  • No Comments

Accreditation deadline is December 1 — Make 2015 the year you receive your APR!
150 150 Admin

APR accreditation is one many ways to demonstrate to peers, colleagues and clients your vast experience and in-depth knowledge and reaffirm your commitment to the profession and professional development.

The Toronto Society and National office provide a variety of resources to help candidates achieve their designation including online study guides and local mentoring. It’s a self-directed program, but you’re never in it alone.

The application process is easy:

– Fill out the application form

– Update your resume to demonstrate your experience in PR

– Submit a one-page work sample overview (And if you applied for an ACE award in the past three years, you’re already ahead of the game!)

Click here for more details.

If you have any questions or would like to chat more about if APR is right for you in 2015, please email Jilda Lazer, APR at jildajilda@hotmail.com.

  • Admin
  • No Comments

Student Steering Committee Profile: Molly Campbell
353 361 Admin

Meet your 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee!

Over the next few months, we will be posting profiles of CPRS Toronto’s 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee Student Representatives. Stay tuned for more!

student blog image-mollycampbell

Molly Campbell, Student Rep
Humber College, Public Relations Postgraduate Certificate

I am thrilled to be a part of the CPRS Student Steering Committee this year as I begin my career in public relations. Having just moved to Toronto to start the Humber College PR Postgraduate Certificate, this committee is a great way to meet fellow PR students, contribute my skills and learn more.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Waterloo, Ontario, but Ottawa was my home for the past six years. I moved to Ottawa to complete my undergraduate degree in journalism at Carleton University. After that I worked for two years at a website development and marketing firm where I still work part-time.

What are you most excited for this year?

I am most excited about meeting people in the industry and learning more about all the amazing opportunities out there in the PR world. Through school, CPRS, internships and volunteering, there are so many ways I’m looking forward to meeting other PR professionals and students.

Have you interned anywhere?

After I completed my degree I got an internship with Carleton University’s Rwanda Initiative. I travelled to Kigali, Rwanda and worked as the assistant editor for an arts and culture magazine called Blink for two months. The experience taught me many lessons about Rwanda’s vibrant culture and helped me build my writing, organization skills and ability to adapt immensely.

What is your dream job?

Although I’m still deciding exactly where I want to go, my goal is to work for a large, international PR agency for clients in the consumer goods industry. I love the idea of working on a variety of projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school I enjoy running and staying active. I love art, film, music and history and I look forward to travelling more in the future.

Tell us something random about yourself

My first job after my internship in Rwanda was as a Tour Manager at the Haunted Walk of Ottawa, a ghost tour company. Not only did I organize tours and manage guide schedules, I also donned the cape and gave some tours myself!

Find me on:

Twitter: @mollyelle
LinkedIn

  • Lois Marsh
  • No Comments

Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal Lepage, named CPRS Toronto CEO of the Year in Public Relations
150 150 Lois Marsh

Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LepageCPRS Toronto selects Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal Lepage to receive 2014 CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations

Toronto, Ontario (Marketwired – November 12, 2014) – The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Toronto is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 22nd CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations is Phil Soper, President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Lepage Real Estate Services.

Mr. Soper’s work in defining the company’s vision and communicating it with impact across Canada has been a demonstration of how communications can be a game changer in business strategy and business results. Since assuming his current role at the helm of Royal Lepage in 2002, the business has more than tripled revenue and doubled agent count. In 2003, Mr. Soper directed the restructuring of the company into a publicly traded enterprise and expanded into multi-brand operations. He is a frequent commentator on economic issues and the North American real estate industry. He was an early adopter in leveraging social media channels to enhance his firm’s effectiveness and communications reach. U.S.-based Swanepoel Trends Report recently named Phil the most influential leader in Canadian residential real estate and Canada’s leading industry publication, Real Estate Marketing magazine, declared him one of the 25 most important leaders of the past 25 years.

Prior to joining the real estate industry, Mr. Soper was a senior executive with technology giant IBM where he held various national and global leadership roles in professional services, business development, finance, marketing and sales. When he left IBM, Soper was General Manager, Information Technology Consulting & Services – the largest such business in the country.

Mr. Soper’s Board responsibilities include the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Brookfield RES Foundation, and Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. He is a former governor for the University of Alberta. Mr. Soper graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, and from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Executive Program.

Mark your calendars and join us to commemorate this occasion:

WHEN:                                  Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 12:00 Noon

WHERE:                                Eaton Chelsea Toronto

ADDRESS:                             33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, Ontario. M5G 1Z4

TICKETS:                               Tickets available online

or contact Lois Marsh at 416-360-1988, marshl@marsh-executive.com.

Created in 1991, the CEO Award recognizes communications excellence and advocates that a successful CEO must be an excellent communicator who can express a clear mission and shared values with a broad range of stakeholders. Past Award recipients include John Betts, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Jim Leech, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Robert Deluce, Porter Airlines, Galen G. Weston, Loblaw Companies, Frances Lankin, United Way of Greater Toronto, Michael Budman and Don Green of Roots Canada, and Piers Handling of the Toronto International Film Festival. The CPRS Toronto award, presented annually, is determined by a selection committee comprised of the Society’s past presidents. Members are encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year.

About CPRS Toronto

CPRS is a national association representing the public relations profession through the establishment and maintenance of high professional, educational and ethical standards. CPRS Toronto is one of the largest member societies comprising over 600 members. For more information please visit: http://www.cprstoronto.com

 

 

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Vincent Power, APRChairCPRS Toronto CEO Award Committee416-941-4422

pastpresident@cprstoronto.com

 

 

 Tammy GilmerDirector, National Communications & Public RelationsRoyal LePage Real Estate Services416-510-5783

tgilmer@royallepage.ca

 

 
  • Admin
  • No Comments

Program post: Loyalist College, post-graduate public relations
740 490 Admin

Choose your own adventure: Getting to know the post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College

Loyalist PR students at the United Way Fundraiser

Loyalist PR students at the United Way Fundraiser

Author: Ben Cowie

The post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College is a one-year certificate program. Known among students as “Loyalist PR”, the program is designed for recent post-secondary graduates looking for a professional career path to complement their existing education.

“I appreciate that in this program all experiences are viewed as an asset,” says student Kevin Ashbridge. “I get to build on my University of Ottawa degree, pad my current resume, develop new skills and shape them towards a profession that’s both challenging and exciting to me.”

Practical learning

Loyalist PR is all about hands-on, practical learning paired with students’ own individual interests.
“It’s a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure,’” says University of Western Ontario graduate and Loyalist PR student Ben Cowie. “You’re given the autonomy to choose your own topics of research, areas in which to network, and people to meet. We have no tests or exams. All of our learning is applied into the projects we create.”

Students are taught public relations basics, are encouraged to add their individual styles to assignments and learn how to operate multimedia software like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. They’re also taught the art of developing social media strategies, brand management programs, internal communications plans, non-profit communication campaigns, event coordination, traditional and online writing and much more. At the end of the program these skills are applied by students during a month-long field placement in Ontario, Canada – or anywhere in the world.

Loyalist 3

Making connections

“I approached the program determined to take every opportunity that came my way,” says University of Guelph alumna Katrina White and Loyalist PR graduate 2013/14. “I found the professional association memberships [automatic with registration in the program] particularly useful. IABC and CPRS both hold great events for students.”

“You’ll meet real professionals there to mentor you because they have been in your shoes,” says Queens University graduate and Loyalist PR student Katie Stewart. “The College has connections in so many different industries. Our writing professor worked for the OHL and our program coordinator worked for the RCMP. We have health care connections, graduates who work at places like TIFF, the Ottawa Senators and Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. The list goes on and on.”

The Loyalist PR program uses industry connections to benefit students on a daily basis and has many networking events throughout the year. In October the class takes a trip to Toronto, while speed networking, professional panels and micro-networking sessions take place regularly.

“Our network of employers and industry partners is growing each year,” says Kerry Ramsay, Loyalist College Professor and post-graduate public relations Program Coordinator. “It is especially rewarding to see so many of our alumni who are now working in the field become brand ambassadors for the program, and mentors for our current students.”

“I never realized just how vast the PR industry is,” says Ben. “It’s encouraging to know there are so many opportunities out there.”

Loyalist PR's social media team is partnering with the Belleville Firefighters' annual Christmas toy drive

Loyalist PR’s social media team is partnering with the Belleville Firefighters’ annual Christmas toy drive

Affordable lifestyle

Loyalist College is located in Belleville, Ontario where students quickly learn benefits of studying in a smaller city setting.

“For me, feeling like a person and not just a number goes a long way towards making me feel valued,” says Ben. “Loyalist PR this year has a class size of 25. We learn what it’s like to work as a team, to support and learn from one another. We are living in a microcosm of the actual PR work environment.”

Belleville is a strategic location for students; its campus located less than an hour’s drive from Kingston and Oshawa. Toronto is only two hours away and is readily accessible by VIA Rail, the 401 and major bus lines.

“Loyalist is a huge part of the Belleville community, and it feels great going to a school so locally involved,” says Julia Vriend, Queens University graduate and student of the program. “Loyalist students are actively involved in partnering with local businesses and charities. It’s nice feeling like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself – like our involvement with the United Way of Quinte and the Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive. We get opportunities to work on real fundraisers for school credit and the community’s benefit.”

 

Ben_cowie
Ben Cowie is a student in Loyalist College’s post-graduate public relations program. Find him on:

Twitter: @B9ers
LinkedIn

Have questions about the post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College? Interested in becoming a student for the day? Please contact Kerry Ramsay, Professor and Program Coordinator at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca or visit www.loyalistpr.com.

 

**We are always looking for student submissions! If you would like to contribute to the new student blog, please email Arden at cprsstudents@gmail.com.

  • Admin
  • No Comments

I purchased my CPRS membership… now what?
1000 665 Admin

_MG_9470 _MG_9386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ve purchased your CPRS Toronto student membership and are ready to take the next steps? Congratulations! You have just made a tangible effort to advance your career in public relations. Joining a professional association has some great benefits, but sometimes it can be difficult figuring out the best way to get started.

  1. Attend as many events as you can

Making an effort to attend events hosted by CPRS Toronto is a great way to get your foot in the door. You will not only hear from industry professionals, but will also have a chance to network with PR professionals and other students.

As a student member, you get priority registration to all student events. This means when tickets first become available you are able to register right away. This year Passport to PR sold out in three hours and even some student members were not able to buy tickets in time so we encourage you to register right away.

Don’t limit yourself to student events only! CPRS Toronto hosts some great professional development events also open to students. The next PD event, Opportunities from the headlines will be held December 2, 2014.

  1. Break out of your shell

When attending events, be sure to speak to people you may not know. Our industry is filled with outgoing individuals who are more than willing to discuss the industry while giving you an opportunity to learn. Professionals who come to events understand your position as a student and know where you are coming from. Other students are likely feeling the same way you are, so don’t hesitate to walk up to someone and introduce yourself! (That includes members on the Student Steering Committee; we’re here for YOU.

  1. Submit content

A new student initiative is our student blog. Every two weeks we have contests for students’ work to be featured. This is a great opportunity to enhance your writing skills, receive feedback and add to your portfolio. (More information to be revealed tomorrow!)

  1. Utilize CPRS Toronto’s resources

Check the job board to see what organizations are looking for in candidates today. Check out the membership directory for industry contacts, and use CPRS Toronto’s library collection at the Toronto Reference Library for more resources.

  1. Volunteer

CPRS Toronto has many opportunities to volunteer. The Student Steering Committee is made up entirely of student volunteers. The ACE Awards, and CEO Award of the Year are also portfolios that look for volunteers each year.

Let us know: What other ways you’ve become involved with the CPRS Toronto society since purchasing your membership?

  • Admin
  • No Comments

Internship post: energi PR
875 960 Admin

Practice makes perfect

 

Charzie and part of the energi team on National Ice Cream Day

Charzie and part of the energi team on National Ice Cream Day

 

Author: Charzie Abendanio

This summer I had the opportunity to intern at energi PR, a mid-size agency with offices in Toronto and Montreal. During my internship I was able to learn under professionals with extensive backgrounds in healthcare, travel and consumer public relations.

My experience at energi was not out of the ordinary from what other interns go through. I exercised practical and writing skills being taught in classrooms today, such as pitching to the media, blog writing and developing content for social media platforms.

The basic and most important attributes every student should have and develop, in my opinion, aren’t always tangible, new or revolutionary. They are basic concepts that need to be worked on daily with an opportunity to continuously improve them. Knowing your way around the areas I’ve listed below helped me accomplish the tasks and assignments given to me at my internship. Once my internship came to an end, I can say apart from the practical skills, I also learned many life skills which I will continue to use in school and in my future public relations career.

 

Charzie and the energi team at the Toronto Food Truck Alley on King

Charzie and the energi team at the Toronto Food Truck Alley on King

 

1. Practice your researching skills

I’ll be the first to admit my researching skills aren’t the greatest and I have a difficult time navigating the Internet to find the right information. I believe this is due to how much information is out there to filter through. One way to develop this skill is to research your own interests and hobbies, teaching you how to determine what good information is versus the most helpful.

2. Practice asking questions

In an ever changing industry like public relations you need to have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. If you are not asking questions you aren’t learning. In the summer I head the word “deck” almost every day and didn’t know what it meant. When I finally asked and learned it means a PowerPoint slideshow I realized there are many nuances in public relations I will come across in my career and may not understand them until I put aside my insecurities and pride to ask.

3. Practice your interpersonal skills

Three months may not be a long time but it is long enough to leave a lasting impression. When I first arrived at energi I wanted to get through the three months by doing my work and completing what was expected from me. I never realized I would work with people I continue to speak with to this day. The ability to listen and following direction, and work well in a team is a reflection of your personality. This leads me to my last and most important point.

4. Practice being you

The person who knows you the most is you! Being honest with yourself helps you become self-aware and contributes to your confidence. My second week I was asked to stand in front of everyone in the boardroom to discuss where I see myself in the industry and what I expected to take from my time at energi. I was so nervous but it gave me the ability to evaluate exactly what kind of PR practitioner I want to be while considering the steps I need to reach my goal.

Take a moment to evaluate yourself and discover your strengths and weaknesses. It can be a process but it allows you to explore who you are and helps direct you to where you want to be.

Charzie Abendanio is CPRS Toronto’s Vice President on the Student Steering Committee. She is a third year student in Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations program. Find her on:

Twitter: @charziecastillo
LinkedIn

**We are always looking for student submissions! If you would like to contribute to the new student blog, please email Arden at cprsstudents@gmail.com.

  • 1
  • 2
Start Typing