Tuesday, May 29, 2007

50 Years of Seattle PR

It's interesting to consider what the PR world looked like 50 years ago in 1957. Just ask David Blandford, president of the Puget Sound chapter of PRSA. He wasn't there. But, if he was he, would say that plenty was cooking at that time. He recently took a look back while visiting the UW time capsule that contained many interesting items.

This year (2007) marks 50 years of PR in Seattle. There are many opportunities to share in the celebration of a profession that I find incredibly fascinating and enjoyable (my little aside):

- "Celebrating 50 Years in Public Relations," Holiday Gala, Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Space Needle

- "The Next 50 Years in PR," Annual Meeting, October (Date TBD) at the Fairmont Hotel

- Historic Photo Parade: Snapshots and anecdotes from personal photo albums(Note: If you have any cool shots please send them to dblandford@visitseattle.org)

- 50-Year Perspective: Watch Newsflash for trivia and quizzes to test your knowledge of the past five decades, and profiles of influential members

- 5:50 Cocktails: Monthly cocktails throughout the city for PR professionals

More to come on the last 50...stay tuned. Erika

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Farewell to a PRSA friend

Thanks to past PRSA Puget Sound president Wendy Townsend for sharing with us the loss of former PRSA member Frederick Short, who passed away Saturday, May 5, 2007, at his home in Shoreline, WA. He was 86.

Many of you may remember Fred as an active member of PRSA who worked in public relations for the Port of Seattle. Fred joined the Port of Seattle's Public Relations Dept in 1961. He handled corporate, seaport and Sea-Tac Airport media relations for 20 years and had a popular column for the employee magazine, Caught Short By Fred, which was a creative and entertaining commentary on the Port and society.

He was also active in many professional organizations associated with international transportation, maritime commerce and public relations including the Maritime Press Association, Public Relations Society of America, Propeller Club and the Virginia V Foundation.

You can read his obituary in The Seattle Times for more information about his fascinating life.

Suggested donations to Steamship Virginia V Foundation, WA Library for the Blind, Nature Conservancy or Providence Hospice of Seattle.