Retail superchain Borders Books axed 300 community relations employees. In a release last week Vice President of Corporate Affairs Anne Rodman said the layoffs were part of
the company's plan to more effectively allocate resources. She added that no more layoffs are expected. The dismissed employees planned and hosted events, acted as community-
liaisons, and took on other public relations duties.
Burson-Marstellar has rolled out a Web site devoted to CEO reputation and leadership issues. CEOgo.com reports on the activities, strategies and management challenges facing
the world's leading CEOs. The site launched with commentary on President George W. Bush's recent address to Congress.
The U.S. Navy likely will not deep-six one of its most trusted longtime PR strategies, civilian guest tours, according to a public affairs officer. It has temporarily suspended
allowing non-military personnel access to subs, ships, and planes, in the wake of a collision between a U.S. submarine and the Japanese Trawler Ehime Maru. "These have been going
on more than 50 years," said Lt. Cmdr. Flex Plexico. "The idea is that those ships, planes and subs were paid for by U.S. taxpayers and we have a responsibility to let them know
where the money is going." He also agreed that the civilian tours are a great recruiting tool.
