FAIRFIELD, LA – In a world where consumers are inundated with information from every possible medium, it's important for businesses to find a way to stand out. Connecting with the media, creating a positive public image, and identifying unique ways to share stories are vital to the success of a business. An effective PR and media relations strategy can help companies develop a relationship with their audience while promoting their products and services at the same time. PR and media relations should play a role in a business' strategic plan.
As part of the Prosper Jefferson seminar series, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and the Jefferson Chamber are teaming up once again to present a seminar on effective media outreach and public relations on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at the East Bank Regional Library's Jefferson Room, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., in Metairie, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Attendees will learn best communications practices from both PR pros and journalists who will cover a variety of topics including:
• Importance of public relations/ media relations for businesses
• Media relations best practices
• Interview prep
• Developing publicity materials
• Crisis communications
• Measuring success
Speakers include:
• Christine Rigamer, APR: Gambel Communications
Rigamer joined the Gambel Communications team in Fall 2010. As Communications Manager, Rigamer works hand-in-hand with clients to help them achieve their goals through strategic media relations, community relations, special event planning, social media and much more. Rigamer has a myriad of experience across a wide variety of industries including business, banking, non-profits and performing arts organizations.
Rigamer is an Accredited Public Relations professional (APR) and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in English literature and mass communication with a concentration in public relations from Loyola University New Orleans. In 2014 Rigamer was named Public Relations Association Louisiana – New Orleans Chapter's 2014 Practitioner of the Year. Rigamer has also received an Award of Excellence, a Lantern Award and Best in Show from the Southern Public Relations Federation, and a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America New Orleans Chapter.
Rigamer currently serves on the Public Relations Association of Louisiana – New Orleans Chapter board as V.P. of Programming and President-elect and is a member of the New Orleans Leadership Institute 2016 class.
• Greg LaRose: NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
LaRose is the managing producer for business and City Hall coverage with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. He oversees the reporting teams for each beat while also contributing to coverage of regional business and politics. He previously served as editor of New Orleans CityBusiness and has led newsrooms for more than two decades.
• Sarah Chambless Federer: Gambel Communications
Federer joined the Gambel team in October 2013. Her background in communications, community relations and event coordinating drove her to a career in public relations. Before joining Gambel, Federer was employed by the City of Covington as the Cultural Arts and Events Coordinator and Occupational License Administrator. She coordinated city events and assisted with the city's public relations, marketing and economic development efforts. During her time with the city, Sarah formed strong working relationships with municipal leaders, local business owners and nonprofit organizations. With Gambel Communications, she has continued to put her Northshore expertise to work for clients like the historic Southern Hotel in downtown Covington, for whom she coordinated media relations and a series of events surrounding the hotel's grand reopening.
As a Communications Strategist with Gambel, Federer has handled strategic media relations, community relations and special events for a variety of clients, including the New Orleans Ballet Association, the Historic New Orleans Collection, Business Council of New Orleans & The River Region, Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer Law Firm, Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, Gulf Coast Bank, the Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business, De La Salle High School, and Belleville Assisted Living, among others.
Federer is a graduate of the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University.
This event is free, and open to all businesses and entrepreneurs.