The International Association of Business Communicators has revealed financial troubles. The San Francisco-based association lost $1 million last year because of
"sloppiness in accounting, financial mismanagement and over-spending," said President Lou Williams. No one was fired, although "fairly serious mistakes were made," he said.
Differing points of view on the board also played a part in the organization's financial woes. IABC's board recently met to draft a recovery plan that would seek new revenue
streams and implement cost-cutting measures. "We're reconstructing the association in a way that makes more sense as we move forward," Williams said. "We've always had good
finances."
In the wake of the death of racing superstar Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR is using St. Louis-based Stolberg & Siemer to handle its communications strategy. Bill Stolberg,
principal of the two-person firm, wouldn't comment specifically on NASCAR, but disclosed that he and partner Paul Siemer have worked with the organization for the past two years
on public relations and marketing initiatives.
Peter Hehir is retiring as chairman of Porter Novelli International, Porter Novelli Europe, and Countrywide Porter Novelli. Bob Druckenmiller, CEO of Porter Novelli
International, said that Hehir felt the "timing was right" to step down. Hehir founded Countrywide Porter Novelli 27 years ago. He will stay on as a consultant for three
years.
