PRSA Foundation Plans Studies
The PRSA Foundation, a non-profit unit of the Public Relations Society of America, is planning to begin two large research projects. The first is a "credibility index," that will be based on periodic measuring of public trust in institutions. "We believe that uncovering and communicating the levels of credibility that...groups are given by the American people will raise the level of civil discourse on important issues," said the foundation's president, Joe Epley, of Epley Associates Inc., Charlotte, N.C.
For a second project, the foundation is seeking contributions. It would support research to demonstrate PR's contribution to business objectives. Those wishing to make contributions can mail them to the foundation at 33 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003-2376. (PRSA Foundation, 212/995-2230; Epley, 704/442-9100)
MCI Services for Firms
MCI Communications
[MCIC] has unveiled a new line of services specifically for PR, marketing and advertising agencies. The Marketing Media Alternatives line includes a mix of teleconferencing, Internet, Intranet, voice mail, faxing and other communications services tailored for marketing and communications applications. "By integrating communications technology into their marketing mix...companies allow the end-user--whether a business customer or a consumer--to directly access information when they want it and how they want it," said Ron McMurtrie, director of strategic marketing for MCI Business Markets. (MCI, 770/668-6012)
Washington PR Seminar
Public Relations Seminars
, Silver Spring, Md., next month will hold a PR and media relations seminar tailored for the Washington, D.C., media market. The Nov. 13 all-day session will be held at the National Press Club. Registration is $179 before Nov. 1, $199 between Nov. 1 and 12, and $225 at the door. To register or receive more information, call 301/460-4472.
National Phone Book Out
Omnigraphics
, a Detroit-based reference publisher, has produced a national directory of business telephone numbers. "Business Phone Book USA" lists numbers for more than 120,000 businesses and organizations. Fax numbers are listed for nearly all organizations as well. Reflecting the growth in cyber communication, 4,000 organizations list e-mail addresses, and 8,000 list Web sites. The book includes an alphabetical white pages section, and yellow pages broken out by categories. To order the publication for $135, call 800/234-1340.
Fidelity Seeks Customer Editor
Fidelity Investments
, the Boston-based mutual fund giant, seeks an editor-in-chief for its largest customer communication publication, Fidelity Focus. Working with PR, marketing and legal staffs, the position involves producing content and designing the publication, which is mailed quarterly to a circulation of 3 million. Ten years of writing and editing experience are required, with at least five of them on a corporate or consumer publication. Mail resumes to Fidelity Investments, Human Resources, Job Code: ET1682, 82 Devonshire St., Mail Zone A3B, Boston, MA 02109. E-mail to: resumes@ FMR.com
Washington Group Elects Leader
The Capital Press Club
, an organization of African-American journalists and communications executives in Washington, D.C., appointed Jacqui Showers president. Showers is manager of marketing and public relations for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Washington. (Capital Press Club, c/o Wendy Campbell, 703/683-7711)
Correction: On page 5 of our Sept. 30 issue, Shell Oil Co. should have been identified as a "potentially responsible party," rather than a contractor helping the U.S. Army with the cleanup of toxic materials at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.