PRSA and IABC Partner to Deliver Greater Member Value

Palo Alto, Calif. - January 3, 2006 - The Silicon Valley Chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA-SV) and International Association of Business Communicators (SV-IABC) today announced that the organizations have partnered to provide joint members further value in terms of both professional development and networking opportunities, and discounts to all chapter events and workshops.

"The growing convergence of communications strategies and tools is blurring the distinction between the ‘internal' and ‘external' orientations of our professions," said Paula Dunne, president-elect, PRSA-SV. "Therefore, partnerships with organizations such as the IABC are an excellent way to add even greater value to our members, helping them advance their careers by introducing new learning resources, and avenues of professional development and networking. We also look forward to co-producing events and workshops in 2007 to the benefit of our respective communications professionals."

Although the Silicon Valley PRSA and IABC chapters cover the same geographical area, the organizations have different memberships. IABC's current membership is largely made up of internal communications professionals while PRSA brings together professionals in outward-facing communications and media relations. The partnership will allow members of both organizations to share resources and expertise.

"Given the convergence, communications strategies designed to drive measurable results are transferable across industries and to organizations both large and small," said Susan Karnstedt, president-elect, SV-IABC. "Our alliance with Silicon Valley PRSA will provide even greater access to resources and create additional opportunities for networking across diverse disciplines within communications. Our ultimate goal is to expose members to the richest learning opportunities in Silicon Valley."

Upcoming monthly events will be co-promoted and offer discounts to each respective organization's membership. Early 2007 events include:

• IABC Event: Peter Vogt, director of Internal Communications, eBay, January 11, 2007
  at the eBay Hamilton Avenue Campus. More info
• PRSA Event: ‘Maintaining Your Ethical Compass,' Jim Balassone, executive-in-residence at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, February 1, 2007 at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, Palo Alto. More info

About the IABC Silicon Valley
For nearly three decades, the Silicon Valley Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (SV-IABC) has provided a professional network and learning community for hundreds of Bay Area communicators committed to delivering strategic, integrated communications. SV-IABC brings together a passionate group focused on improving organizational effectiveness and delivering measurable results. In an environment fueled by innovation and growth, our members represent diverse disciplines within communications. For more information visit: www.sv.iabc.com 

About the PRSA Silicon Valley
For more than thirty years, the Public Relations Society of America, Silicon Valley Chapter (PRSA-SV) has provided PR professionals with education and professional development, career advancement and networking opportunities. The organization invites business communicators at every level to join, from young professionals to seasoned PR veterans. The Chapter also provides numerous opportunities to stay informed about industry developments and to interact with other professionals, members of the media, industry analysts, and more. For more information, to become a member, and to opt-in to receive newsletters and events bulletins, please visit: www.siliconprsa.org. 

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Contacts:

Paula Dunne, PRSA-SV, 408-776-1400, paula@contosdunne.com

Susan Karnstedt, SV-IABC, 650-245-2429, susan@karnstedt.net