PRSA-National Capital Chapter Connects With MembersThrough BIA Information Network’s ActiveAccess Desktop Application

CHANTILLY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)- January 30, 2008 - BIA Information Network (http://www.activeaccess.com), a leading provider of private-label desktop applications, announced today that the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (http://www.prsa-ncc.org) has made its ActiveAccess desktop application available to both the chapter’s membership and interested non-members as a free tool to keep apprised of upcoming networking events, programs, news, educational events, job postings, and podcasts; all from the convenience of their computer desktops.

Serving the greater Washington, DC-metro area, the PRSA-NCC is the largest chapter in the country, supporting more than 1,300 PRSA members. Its ActiveAccess application has been branded the National Capital Channel and can be downloaded through the chapter’s homepage or directly at http://www.prsa-ncc.org/content/view/386/25. When activated, the program will place a small branded Channel desktop icon on a user’s computer that will remain available whether minimized or enlarged. A live Internet connection keeps the Channel receiving updates and information directly through the application’s portal.

“The National Capital Channel will be the best way for our membership, as well as other local communications professionals, to stay informed about our outstanding events and networking opportunities this year,” said Heathere Evans-Keenan, president of the PRSA-NCC. “We are a large, busy Chapter – with more than 50 annual events and programs – so finding an efficient way to keep our vast membership base abreast of what’s happening is a constant challenge. Our goal this year is to make our education programs and social events more accessible to the broad community of communications professionals in the greater DC area. With ActiveAccess, PRSA-NCC has an efficient method of keeping our community informed, and a cutting-edge technology that everyone will find easy to use.”

Because the PRSA-NCC can continuously change the content on the ActiveAccess-driven portal page with important news for its members, Evans-Keenan sees the new tool as a key member benefit and component of the Chapter’s new member communication and retention initiatives. She also recognizes the many ways ActiveAccess can be customized among the chapter membership to deliver various types of information, including audio and video, or other targeted content based on user preferences and even zip code.

The Capital Chapter Channel is also promoting the higher-level Chapter sponsors through the application. When in full-view, sponsor logos continuously scroll through the bottom of the Channel and can be clicked to the sponsor’s webpage through a separate Internet browser. In addition, all Chapter sponsors are visible through the application’s portal.

“ActiveAccess provides a digital communications platform that associations, universities, businesses, and other organizations can use to break through the day-to-day clutter for reaching any targeted audience” said MacKenzie Lovings, director of marketing for BIA Information Network. “We are pleased to work in partnership with PRSA-NCC to engage their members effectively and to showcase the power of a Web 2.0 tool such as Active Access.”

ActiveAccess is the most secure private-label desktop application available and does not contain any adware, spyware or malware. The installation file is small and light-weight; it requires about as much memory as a single webpage and does not interfere with corporate servers or network environments. For more information on ActiveAccess for associations, visit www.activeaccess.com/associations.html.

About the PRSA-National Capital Chapter

The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter represents the world’s leadership in the practice of public relations and is the essential network for practitioners in the Washington region. Supporting more than 1,300 PRSA members, the chapter provides high-quality and timely professional development programs, accreditation instruction and networking opportunities. The Chapter promotes public relations education through the support of five regional PRSSA chapters and a Career Academy for inner city high school students. For more information please visit http://www.prsa-ncc.org.

About BIA Information Network

BIA Information Network, LLC, a subsidiary of BIA Financial Network, Inc., is a Chantilly, Va.-based company focused on providing new media solutions for corporations, non-profits, education, government and media industries. BIN’s premier product, ActiveAccess, is a private-label desktop application used by more than one million people that has the ability to deliver customized interactive content directly to any computer desktop. ActiveAccess supports marketing initiatives by fostering brand loyalty and engagement with targeted audiences. Current clients include: Entercom Communications Corporation, Gray Television Incorporated, American Business Media, Meredith Corporation, Nexstar Broadcasting, The George Washington University, and Penn State University. Further information is available at: http://www.activeaccess.com.

Contacts:

BIA Information Network, LLC
Robert Udowitz, 703-621-8060
or
MacKenzie Lovings, 703-802-2991

PRSA-NCC Announces 2008 Key Initiatives, Strategic Partners

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE) - January 28, 2008 - The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) announced today its annual plan that includes three key initiatives to drive continued membership growth, added member benefits and chapter contributions to the public relations industry. Through these initiatives, the Chapter plans to reach out to unite a broader audience of communicators in the Greater Washington area, leverage new technologies and processes to build more effective member communications, and enhance chapter visibility and thought-leadership within its communities.

PRSA-NCC has formalized strategic partnerships with three local communications companies to lead each initiative as follows:

• Membership Recruitment and Retention Initiative – Scott Oser Associates, Inc., based in North Potomac, Md., will lead the membership recruitment and retention effort. With more than 14 year of experience helping non-profit and for-profit organizations develop strategic membership recruitment and retention programs, the firm will help PRSA-NCC identify membership recruitment opportunities, increase outreach to niche groups throughout the Greater Washington area and leverage marketing tactics. Point of contact is Scott Oser, scott@scottoserassociates.com, 301-279-0468.
  
  
• Internal Member Communications Initiative – Rink Strategic Communications, a Reston, Va. based communications consulting firm specializing in internal communications programs and strategies, will serve as partner in charge of internal member communications. Rink will assess the National Capital Chapter's current member communications processes and vehicles, ensure all internal communications are integrated with member retention and external marketing activities, and research leading-edge technologies and best practices to deliver a comprehensive member communications plan in support of PRSA-NCC’s business strategies. Point of contact is Susan C. Rink, srink@rinkcomm.com, 703-856-5467.
  
  
• External Marketing and Public Relations Initiative – Focused Image, a marketing communications agency specializing in branding based in Falls-Church, Va., will lead the external marketing and public relations initiative, which will focus on increasing chapter visibility in local business and target market communities, streamlining processes for chapter activity and event promotion, and supporting membership recruitment and internal communications initiatives. A new committee will be developed to support and carry on this initiative going forward. Point of contact is Kristina Messner, kmessner@focusedimage.com, 703-678-6023.

“As the largest PRSA chapter in the country, PRSA-NCC and the more than 1,300 PRSA members in the Washington Metropolitan area will continue building upon our past successes to take the Chapter to even higher levels in 2008,” said Heathere Evans-Keenan, APR, 2008 PRSA-NCC president and founder of Keenan PR, Inc., based in Arlington, Va. “This year we have established new relationships with strategic partners who will lead three key initiatives to help build thought-leadership throughout our community, find new ways to reach and unite local communicators, and continue to leverage technology so our members will gain maximum benefits from the wealth of programs, information and professional networking our Chapter offers.”

Two upcoming PRSA-NCC events include:

• IPRA Luncheon, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., “PR Writing & Industry Trends and Observations: Where the Profession Is Headed.” Location: Embassy Suites in Vienna, Va. Registration fee: in advance, $20 for IPRA and PRSA-NCC members, $25 for non-members and guests. At door fee is $5 additional, cash only.
  
  
• Professional Development Breakfast, Feb. 20, 8 – 10 a.m., “Association PR: Selling it to Management and Making it Work,” featuring a distinguished panel of speakers from American College of Cardiology, Software and Information Industry Association, American Institute of Architects and American Insurance Association.

Registration is required for all events. For more information go to www.prsa-ncc.org or call (703) 691-9212.

About The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter

The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter represents the world’s leadership in the practice of public relations and is the essential network for practitioners in the Washington region. Supporting more than 1,300 PRSA members, the chapter provides high-quality and timely professional development programs, accreditation instruction and networking opportunities. The Chapter promotes public relations education through the support of five regional PRSSA chapters and a Career Academy for inner city high school students. For more information please visit www.prsa-ncc.org.

Contacts: PRSA-NCC

Kristina Messner
2008 PRSA-NCC Vice President
703-678-6023
kmessner@focusedimage.com
or
Heathere Evans-Keenan, APR
2008 PRSA-NCC President
703-875-8969
heathere@keenanpr.com

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tracy Schario

tschario@gwu.edu, 202-994-3566

Hanley, Ford, and Hall Carter Exemplify Excellence in the Profession

Washington, D.C., December 13, 2006 – The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA-NCC) presented its annual awards for individual accomplishments at its holiday luncheon held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, December 12. The Diamond Award for Chapter Service was given to Paul Hanley, director of strategic communications for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Diversity Champion was awarded to Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., APR, Howard University faculty; and the inaugural Young PR Professional of the Year was presented to Katie Hall Carter, new business manager, eastern region, Edelman Public Relations. 

“This year’s award winners are known by many as friends, colleagues, and leaders,” said Tracy Schario, PRSA-NCC President and director of media relations at The George Washington University. “Each brings inspiration, perspiration, and energy to their work and their involvement with the chapter and helps demonstrate why Washington is the world’s capital for the practice of public relations.” 

The 2006 Diamond Award for Chapter Service was presented to Hanley for his ongoing commitment to PRSA-NCC and to the profession. Hanley began the chapter’s international committee in 1994, which adopted by the national PRSA organization as the model for its international section. Before returning to the Pentagon in March 2002, Hanley was founder and managing principal of DC Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in helping small government agencies and non-profits with corporate communication and strategic planning. Hanley retired from the U.S. Navy in 1992 after 24 years of active duty, primarily serving as a public affairs specialist.  

The Diversity Award was presented to Ford for her commitment to multicultural communications and diversity initiatives. Ford writes a monthly column on diversity for Tactics. While running a consulting firm, she managed several public relations campaigns for AARP, Urban Partnerships, and National Council of Negro Women. Ford is presently teaching at Howard University, coordinating its advertising and public relations sequence, and advising their Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. In 2000, she was named to PR Week’s Top 30 PR Professionals under 30 and to PRSSA’s National Hall of Fame. Ford, an alumnus of Howard University, received her master’s degree in public relations and a graduate certificate in gerontology from the University of Maryland and a doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

This year, PRSA-NCC introduced a new award—the Young PR Professional of the Year—to recognize up-and-coming professionals in the industry. The inaugural award was presented to Hall Carter, who also is a PRSA-NCC board member and has served as chairwoman of the programs committee. She was recognized for her tenacity, enthusiasm, and initiative. She has managed numerous special events for the chapter, including membership networking events and awards programs. Hall Carter holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. 

 
About PRSA-NCC  The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America represents the world’s leadership in the practice of public relations and is the essential network for practitioners in the Washington region. More than 1,300 members strong, the chapter provides high-quality and timely professional development programs, accreditation instruction and networking opportunities. The chapter promotes public relations education through the support of five regional PRSSA chapters and a career academy for inner city high school students. For more information about membership, leadership or events, please visit www.prsa-ncc.org