by Audrey Beckett

One of the global industries most impacted by the recession has been the aviation and travel industry. Even our own Raleigh-Durham International Airport, situated in the midst of Research Triangle Park’s hotbed of business travelers, has seen major declines in traffic as businesses have often resorted to telephone conferences and other means of cutting travel costs. As a former intern at the RDU Airport Authority, I like to stay informed on their happenings.

While the recession has been felt by the authority, it has continued to operate smoothly, even enjoying some growth and development. The construction of Terminal 2 is expected to be completed in the winter of 2011. As the largest construction project in the history of the airport, the completed terminal will add 36 new gates and 41 shops and restaurants. Being in the middle of such a large project when the economy tanked has surely been stressful for RDU, but the authority has continued to celebrate the project, hosting a well-attended open house and keeping the media informed all while receiving recognition along the way.

RDU has also continued to explore opportunities to expand service. Service to Milwaukee is scheduled to begin on April 1.

As finances have tightened, the authority has explored both innovative and traditional ways to cut costs. A major switch to LED runway and taxiway lighting began in July 2009 and is set for completion later this spring. It is expected that the conversion will cut energy costs up to 60%. RDU has also tightened up the budget, recommending no new hires and practicing frugality within departments.

Following in the footsteps of other major airports that are using Twitter to communicate with passengers, RDU launched a new Twitter account on November 4. The account has provided a valuable real-time communication option with passengers, especially helpful earlier this year with the frequent weather-related delays.

Things are starting to look up at RDU. January marked the second out of the past three months to see an increase in traffic, with more than 10,000 more passengers traveling through RDU in January 2010 than January 2009.

RDU has done a great job staying focused on the things they must do to operate effectively and successfully. There’s no doubt that poor economy and low passenger counts are something the authority has had to face constantly in recent months. However, their continued efforts to grow and stay up-to-date in their communication and customer service departments is an indicator of great PR in the midst of challenging circumstances.

by Minette Yao

Today’s generation is often criticized for having a short attention span.  According to some psychologists and neuroscientists, the explosion of social networking sites like Facebook, instant messaging, and blogging (especially compacted micro-blogging tools, like Twitter), is a detriment to society. The conventional complaint goes: with more and more people at their computers or in front of the television, we are quickly losing the ability to have real life conversations, and certainly not conversations about anything of substance. But wait.

Tonight in downtown, an event called Ignite Raleigh might just prove the experts wrong. Ignite is a sort of variety show—an evening of inspiring, creative, interesting talks and presentations—from members of the very generation accused. The idea is a bit like TED, another online draw that provides streaming videos (often around 20-30 minutes) of “riveting talks by remarkable people” (TED’s motto). The difference is that Ignite is local—attended, presented at, and lead by people interested in hosting and participating at one in their city or town. More importantly, the talks only last five minutes.

Individuals are allowed to share their passions at an Ignite event informed by the motto, “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” Presenters are given five minutes to talk, with 20 slides up for 15 seconds each. Talk about a short attention span!

This will be Raleigh’s second Ignite event, with a total of 15 presentations given within 2 hours (from 7-9pm) by community speakers and featured speakers alike (including a WRAL meteorologist and Miss NC USA 2010). The topics range from “20 Rules for Start-Ups”  to “Why the Triangle is America’s Hotspot for Way Cool Houses” to “NerdGirls Unite! Fact: Women Don’t Have to Be Lame.”

For those interested in opinions from the social media savvy, a few of these talks might catch your attention:

“What happens to your digital identity after you die?”; “All media is social. You are no expert. Go read McLuhan”; and “Anti-Social Media: Breaking Connections for Fun and Profit.”

… even if only for five minutes. The @Ignite Raleigh event is also all over Twitter (#igniteraleigh), if you just can’t focus for that long.

Photo source: Ted Leung

by James Schlegelmilch

This past Friday Dell announced to its employees that they would be able to keep their jobs through the month of July, as it begins to see an increase in computer sales.  Previously, employees at the Winston-Salem factory were told that they would be out of work come late April, and before that employees expected to be out of work at the end of this past January.

Dell officials said that employees at the computer factory reacted to this announcement with “great enthusiasm”, as they were told the company needed the production capability for longer than they had anticipated.

While this announcement is being touted as “good news” for the Triad economy, it is just another temporary escape for the remaining employees who were able to survive last year’s massive downsizing.  It was almost one year ago that Dell announced the layoff of hundreds of local employees due to decreased demand in the face of the recession, just a couple of years after building and staffing the new facility.

Dell’s move to North Carolina has been wrought with turmoil since its inception.  The state offered the Dallas-based company an incentive package valued at more that $280 million in order to attract the business to build its factory here.  That move was met with groans from across the state by those saying that incentive package was too large.  Then, just a few years later layoffs hit, and while Dell said that the layoffs were felt across the company, the impact was felt particularly hard on employees in the Triad.

Dell’s continual delay of the closing of the Winston-Salem factory is not doing any of its employees any favors.  If anything, it just provides a glimmer of false hope to those who were able to survive last year’s cutbacks, and will prevent them from looking for more stable employment elsewhere on the slim chance that this factory could recover.

Surely, the company can use excess capacity at any of its other factories to handle the recent, slight increase in demand.  Postponing the inevitable shut down of this factory is unfair to the remaining employees who need to move on.  This move also lets the public know that Dell’s concern is not with the well-being of those that they employ, but rather making sure their financial goals are being met.

Photo Source: Kevin

By Kelley Brackett

Sunday’s Superbowl brought home big bucks, not only for the New Orleans Saints’ owner Tom Benson, but also for a North Carolina company, Five Point Productions.  For a second year, the Raleigh-based company gained national attention for a Doritos spot, “Underdog,” one of four ads to air.  The spot featured a Doritos’ loving Labrador, Rosie, who used her anti-bark shock collar to steal a bag from her taunting owner.   Kudos to both companies for capitalizing on user-generated content.

First, to the Doritos brand for putting a price tag on quality user-generated content.  Since YouTube’s unveiling in 2005, users have flocked to post videos that generate, sometimes thousands of hits per day.  Doritos, noting the trend, decided to capitalize on the phenomenon by asking individuals to submit content for Superbowl ads beginning in 2007 for its “Crash the Superbowl Contest.”  Fast forward to 2010, Doritos’ user-generated ad, “House Rules”, was hailed as the top spot by TiVo.

The Doritos brand is revolutionizing the marketing process by asking individuals to submit content for cash prizes.  Through relinquishing power to the audience, Doritos is tapping into the resource that knows them best–their consumers.  By asking fans to create content on small budgets, Doritos can take the backseat in the marketing process, while still reaping the benefits for a fraction of the cost. The brand has seemingly created a win-win situation by utilizing a unique marketing strategy.

Five Point Productions answered the brand’s call by producing yet another winning ad, although it received second place, the group won $600,000 and national recognition.  With such award-winning creativity and local talent  found in our own backyard, maybe “Raleighwood” is a more fitting name?

Photo Source: mattieb

By Audrey Beckett

As I read the News and Observer online this afternoon, I noticed the large headline GlaxoSmithKline Gives $1.5M to Morehead Planetarium. This grabbed my attention for a couple of reasons. First, $1.5 million is an impressive financial donation, especially during an economic slump. Second, as an aspiring public relations professional, I notice such acts of corporate social responsibility as examples of good PR.

GSK’s donation will go towards the conversion of the planetarium’s Star Theater from analog to digital technology. In the article, GSK explained it has a commitment to “making positive contributions to the communities where employees live and work and to invest in health and education programs.”

Under this criteria, the donation to Morehead Planetarium is certainly fitting. The planetarium is a frequent field trip destination for North Carolina students and offers a number of scientific programs and experiences for the community, such as the “Science in the Summer” program, also sponsored by GSK.

Following the article, I noticed a comment criticizing GSK for not pouring that $1.5 million into Haiti relief. I was bothered that the company’s good deed was being met with such criticism. After all, individuals should be grateful for the socially responsible corporations in our community.

This comment sparked my curiosity so I went to GSK’s Web site and found the following press release. Sure enough, the company has already given $1.4 million of medicinal aid to a number of organizations that are providing relief in Haiti. It has also committed $408,000 to the British Red Cross to aid in water and sanitation efforts in Haiti and is currently assessing requests from its partners to determine how much additional medicine it can donate to the cause.

The truth is that GSK is providing important aid around the world AND enriching the community around it.

From a public relations standpoint, an act of corporate social responsibility as the target of criticism is an extremely interesting situation. It emphasizes the importance of the PR professional’s adaptability to any given situation. GSK’s consistent communication and commitment to social responsibility is a good example of how unexpected challenges should be handled.

Photo Source: Ian Wilson

By Kelley Brackett

This morning, just as Haitians were regrouping after last Tuesday’s devastating earthquake, they were struck again with a 6.1 magnitude earthquake.  According to the Associated Press, an estimated 3 million people are in dire need of food and water.  In this time of need, the world is uniting to provide aid for Haitians.  Now is your chance to help!

Providing charitable donations to organizations and fellow human beings in need is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business.  Local organizations have stepped on board to show their support including North Carolina State University, Redress Raleigh, The Oxford, Pepsi Bottling Company, and many others.

Raising money for Haiti or donating supplies is a way to show your support in their time of need.  And like other charitable donations it can do several things to enhance your company’s image:

• Raise company awareness in the community
• Create opportunities for employee team building
• Communicate to current and future clients that charity efforts are important to you.

At the end of the day, you can rest with a good conscious, knowing that your company has contributed to a world crisis.  And don’t forget to spread the news!  Let others know the amount of money you’ve raised or the amount of supplies you’ve collected.  Your efforts won’t be soon forgotten.

Photo Source:  mulmatsherm

By Kelley Brackett

Greetings and welcome to a new decade!  I am MMI’s Social Media Intern for the semester.  As a college student, I am certainly no stranger to social media. But you’ll be happy to know that instead of aimlessly searching YouTube for content and constantly updating my Facebook status, the hours I spend on social media Web sites will finally serve a greater purpose!

I am in my last semester at North Carolina State University, majoring in communications-media with a minor in journalism.  I am a member of Lambda Pi Eta Communications’ Honor Society, an ambassador for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, a representative on the board of directors for  NC State Student Media, and I am in the University’s Honor Program.  I am also an avid State fan – Go Pack!

In the weeks to come, I look forward to blogging about public relations happenings in and around Raleigh.  Speaking of – did anyone else witness the extraordinary turnout for Raleigh’s First Night 2010?  Despite the rain and fog, thousands gathered to witness the historic acorn drop in Raleigh’s new city plaza.

With a new year ahead of us, and the world of social media continuing to expand by the day, I look forward to a wonderful semester at MMI Public Relations.

Photo Source: NC Genealogy

Love Him Or Hate Him, Tucker Max Is Here To Stay

by Christa Fulenwider

Tucker Max is a blogger-turned-book-author-turned-filmmaker who is stirring up controversy where ever he goes.  His new movie, “I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell,” is the topic of heated conversation on college campuses across the United States.  Activist groups, like SAFER CAMPUS (Students Active for Ending Rape), are labeling the Duke Law School grad as a promoter of rape culture and going as far as to say he hates women.  The NY Times Best Selling author is not taking the bad PR lying down.  Max, staying true to his fashion, has responded openly in interviews with news reporters, as well as on his blog to the accusations telling protesters, “Bite Me.”  Not the most eloquent response, however, Max does pose viable questions to his cynics, such as “If my art is misogynistic and promotes violence against women, then why are half of my fans women?”

Prior to its release, Max and co-writer Nils, took the movie on a 31 city tour to college campuses; not only screening the movie, but sticking around to answer questions, sign books, and interact with fans.  The Q & A sessions along the tour are posted to YouTube and tales of the tour stops are documented on Max’s blog at TuckerMax.com.  In these clips and posts, Max addresses a lot of the bad PR directed towards the film and towards him.  While screening the film on NC State’s campus in Raleigh, N.C., Max, in his response to silent protesters, was quoted saying “[Rape’s], like, not a joke, and I feel like [the protesters'] hearts are probably in the right place, to be honest.”  But he believes they aren’t using the right forum by protesting the film, saying “…what they’re doing is really kind of devaluing the seriousness of an actual crime. . . the discussion about where consent lies and doesn’t lie is an important one, and should be had.”  Max, adamant to preserve the film’s reputation, is not as quick to come to his own defense.  He continues to tell fans his unfiltered opinion and is proud to be a self proclaimed narcissist.

Whether you think “I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell” is something new and different or you think the film promotes a rape culture, you need to educate yourself on the facts.  To completely remove the subtext this  means go read the book, go to the website or see the movie.  How else will you form your own opinion?  In today’s media, you cannot afford to shoot from the hip in front of a camera.  With a microphone in front of them many of these protestors are failing to deliver substantiated, intelligent opinions of why this film promotes a rape culture, admitting that they in fact have never read the book nor seen the movie.  Max will continue to have to answer questions regarding the content of his writing, but for now he is responding with honesty and continuing to play the devil’s advocate by challenging the views of others.

The last big question is will the movie be a hit?  Will audiences go see it? Being a member of the movie’s target market (young, female, and a recent college graduate) I will be one of the first ones in the theater.

The best selling book now turned movie premiers Friday, September 25 in theaters nationwide.

Photo courtesy of beautynewsnyc.som

Local Universities Deal With Swine Flu

by Audrey Beckett

For most of us, the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, has begun to feel like old news. It has constantly been a staple in both national and local news since the first cases of American swine flu were documented in April. While the average American is likely less concerned about this pandemic now than they were when it first came onto the scene, it remains one of the most relevant issues for university officials. With a number of major universities nearby, it is important to consider both how the virus is affecting our universities and how officials are responding.

What Are They Dealing With?

A Sept. 16 News and Observer article described the impact that H1N1 has had on local universities. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was leading with approximately 700 cases so far this semester. Other universities have considerably less with about 309 at North Carolina State University and 170 at Duke University. However, all of the area’s universities have had cases reported.

How Are They Handling It?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that universities and colleges are at heightened risk.  With this in mind, the CDC has developed recommendations for how universities and colleges should respond to the virus. Our local universities and colleges have demonstrated excellent compliance with these recommendations, even though many, such as altering absence and sick leave policies, are highly inconvenient to schools.

It is obvious that our universities aren’t taking the issue lightly. UNC-CH, N.C. State and N.C. Central all feature swine flu updates on their homepages. For UNC, these updates include links to swine-flu related messages and communication the university has released. N.C. State’s updates direct students to register for a vaccination. N.C. Central’s homepage link includes preventative tips and a video demonstrating these tips as well as links to health departments where students can get more information. Duke University got a jumpstart on developing its response to the virus when it had to cancel a summer camp program, for the first time in three decades, due to swine flu outbreaks. Duke health officials are stressing the message that health is an important part of academic success and are offering a list of tips to help students remain healthy.

I want to take a second to give our universities a pat on the back. Dealing with the swine flu has been the toughest on them and, in all likelihood, they will be dealing with it for months to come. They have done a great job and their efforts to promote health are greatly appreciated by the Research Triangle community.

The City Of Raleigh Pays Tribute To Michael Jackson At Convention Center

Local fans of Michael Jackson gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center on July 7 to pay their respects to the King of Pop. The service included musical performances, a video tribute and about 400 of MJ’s most dedicated local fans.

Despite the 5,000 seats that remained empty throughout the service, the fans that did attend appeared grateful for an opportunity to honor the pop star. Amongst the crowd of children and adults of all ages, there were several red leather jackets and single gloves worn in remembrance.

That is the unique thing about Michael Jackson- he has the ability to unite people of all ages and cultures. Most likely, you listened to his music, your parents listened to his music, your neighbors listened to his music and your teachers listened to his music. Quite frankly, it was near impossible to escape Michael Jackson, whether it be through the radio or the constant media attention he received. He was the center of public attention (and sometimes controversy), and there was no way you were going to miss him.

The Raleigh Convention Center did their part to show local support and remembrance of the King and his many accomplishments, but his death has created a media frenzy all across the nation. The internet skyrocketed following Jackson’s death, with tweets and Facebook posts coming from every direction. The media has covered each angle of the story and is still working on the case.

With all of the national attention, I am sure that fans across the state of North Carolina were glad when Raleigh decided to hold a service for local residents to pay their respects. Though much smaller than some of the national ceremonies, the service in Raleigh allowed family and neighbors to pay tribute together, just miles from their homes.