Updated from original post April 17, 2020.
First and foremost if you are reading this communication, we hope it finds you safe and well. While I founded our company in Kansas City in 1998, our office in New York City was founded two years later in 2000. We will soon celebrate 20 years in New York City with a satellite office in Kansas City. That is why as I celebrate my 40th year in public relations in these unprecedented times, we are extending the Power of Pink campaign to do more.
Our hearts go out to those sickened and those lost to COVID-19 in NYC and all over the world. We applaud all the healthcare workers, the delivery personnel, all the workers that have supported everyone, including us, during the stay at home requirements. Now that phased reopening is occurring there are still many challenges.
While we are working remotely, communications messages have changed daily, if not hourly, if not by the minute. Germinder + Associates is here to assist our clients and communicate with our partners and our colleagues during this time. Still, the global pandemic will continue to challenge us all for some time to come. In addition, we join with our member public relations and veterinary organizations in mourning the loss of black lives and join in the call for equality, justice and the end to racial discrimination.
Each year Germinder donates both time and funds to a number of worthy causes. Our niche website, Goodnewsforpets.com is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and once again our contest includes donations to animal shelters and rescues. Germinder + Associates celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Germinder20 Power of Pink Honorees and a donation program in their honor.
We launched the Power of Pink Virtual internship program in May, 2020 when called upon to help students by the PRSA Champions program. University of Dayton PRSSA Chapter leader Zinaejah Ozier is working on Germinder + Associates projects and conducting a series of Interviews with Zinaejah Ozier, video interviews with black leaders throughout her internship. University of Dayton PRSSA member Abby Crotty is running contests and helping educate the public about pets and COVID-19 and more via our Goodnewsforpets.com platform.
We have joined in solidarity with public relations and veterinary organizations to support the end to racism, injustice and discrimination with the Black Lives Matter movement. We have donated to organizations on behalf of our team. We have signed the pledge to do more.
We are also continuing to offer a probono 30-minute consultation service in 2020 to any individual or organization in need of pr services. We are also volunteering, providing mentoring services to students and graduating seniors.
Please contact me to schedule this 30 minute consultation at no charge at Lgerminder@germinder.com. We will have more announcements and do more under this program, which is a personal homage to my own successful battle with cancer almost eight years ago.
Providing PR counsel is what we do best at Germinder, but giving back is what we do well too. Every single facet of the global economy, of life has been impacted by this pandemic. Yes, we will overcome it together.
Speaking of coming together, to support my senior pr colleagues across the globe, I am participating in the International Public Relations Association (IPRA)’s COVID-19 Communications Task Force that is also offering this free service. To read more about the PRCA COVID-19 Task Force Initiative for Communications Leaders, click here.
I have been fortunate to include global communications in our portfolio for many years. Earlier in my career, I assisted the London office of an international import/export group in a similar manner to IPRA’s initiative. It is my honor to serve as a volunteer now.
We are a small 100% woman-owned business trying to do our part. My message here is if we can help each other a little bit each day with what we do best, we can make a difference. That’s the goal of my esteemed colleagues, that’s my goal.
Be safe and well everyone, and be in touch.
Lea-Ann Germinder, APR, Fellow PRSA
