Group also creates resource Guide and Local Conference & Opportunity Fairs to Stimulate PR Jobs and Business

Los Angeles, March 9, 2009

In a bold step reflective of its commitment to provide meaningful information to its membership in a difficult economic environment, the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) today announced it will convert its Annual Conference & Career Fair to a series of free online, interactive webinars in April. In addition, a resource guide and local events will be planned to aid employment, business development and networking for communication professionals.

“Now is a critical time for communication professionals to connect; however, tough economic constraints have prohibited travel and conference expenses for both our members and our sponsors,” said Wynona Redmond, NBPRS president. “We decided to be innovative and use a combination of technology and the grassroots approach of taking the conference directly to our target audience which is our local Chapters.”

The webinars will take place on Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24. Full details and registration will be announced on the organization’s website at www.nbprs.org

The organization also plans to schedule a series of local conference and opportunity fairs in Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.between March and December of this year.  These one-day events will focus on communication strategies, professional development, career and business opportunities.

By mid-year, NBPRS will publish a Network Guide to serve as a pivotal resource to a large network of companies, government agencies, and PR and communications professionals.  The NBPRS Network Guide will be a  publication to identify and profile top African-American PR practitioners with a directory of professionals and agencies.

“Our Network Guide is a tool to help stimulate jobs and new business for small PR firms,” stated Redmond. “We expect corporations and agencies to leverage this resource to enhance diversity within their organizations.”

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Since its founding in 1997, the National Black Public Relations Society has served as an advocate for black professionals in the public relations, media relations, corporate communications, investor relations, government affairs, community relations and related fields.  Run by professionals for professionals, NBPRS addresses the diverse needs of its members through programs and partnerships that provide cultural and competitive advantages.  NBPRS has chapters in the major media markets and offers peer-to-peer support, mentorship, networking, job opportunities, internships, and career advancement strategies for professionals engaged in corporate, government, agency, non-profit and private practice.  For more information, visit http://www.nbprs.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Wynona Redmond          708-769-1768

Deborah Hyman              703-472-5361

Lee Hayes                       651-261-4356 

contact@nbprs.org