Minutes, General Meeting, June 13, 2011

Meeting June 13, 2011

Present

1. Delmares White, ODPEM – PRSJ President
2. Christine Bell – Innovative IDEAS – PRSJ VP Finance
3. Cecil Thoms, Min. Agriculture & Fisheries – PRSJ Gen Sec
4. Akilah Maxwell, PIOJ – PRSJ VP Special Events
5. Maxine Mc Donnough – Touchstone Productions
6. Leo McEwan, Ministry of Transport and Works
7. Gwyneth Davidson, OPM
8. Carroll Edwards, UWI Marketing and PR
9. Mark Thomas. Jampro, Past President
10. Patricia Gillings, Books and Events
11. Carole James, PIOJ

Visitors

1. Karelle McCormack, Jamaica 4H Clubs
2. Sandra Berry
3. Hilda Vaughan



Akilah Maxwell, Mark Thomas



The meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. by President Delmares White. Videotaping services were provided by ODPEM.
The Executive members VP Special Events Akilah Maxwell and General Secretary, Cecil Thoms, were introduced to the membership as they were not at the AGM and were accepted in absentia.

During the meeting the visitors Ms Berry and Ms Vaughan were acknowledged as educators. Karelle McCormack was welcomed again as a visitor.

Meet Jamaica 2011

Ms Maxwell guided a discussion to canvass views on the Meet Jamaica logo that will be used as the identifying business mark of Jamaica during the London 2012 Olympics.

Mark Thomas noted that the mark was launched in Jamaica on October 13 2010 and in March in the cities of Birmingham and also London in the UK. Thomas noted that business interests in Trinidad were very interested in funding and being a part of the Visit Jamaica initiative to possibly make it a regional force. This invitation has not been adopted by the leading partners of Visit Jamaica (GOJ/ Private Sector of Jamaica). The cost of the marketing programme has been estimated at J$10 million.

The mark is being used at the Taste of London food fair that will run from June 16-19. Jamaican bammies will be the major product presented at that show. The government hopes to secure reliable markets for local products by participating in that show.

There was a discussion on the need to secure the paid participation of athletes as spokespersons for brand Jamaica.

Meet Jamaica gives a special marketing initiative to promote food from a haute cuisine and production standpoint.

Karelle McCormack, Leo McEwan, Carole James

Jampro has produced 2000 copies of the booklet, The Story of Jamaican Food for that event.  A Canary Wharf restaurateur and chef, Collin Brown, originally from Albert Town in Trelawny; and UK chef, Anthony Matthews of the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston will anchor presentations at the Jamaica booth.

It was noted that Jamaica had great success in tourism marketing, and at this stage food was the major focus. It was also noted that music had not generated the potential industry rewards as anticipated from many earlier initiatives.

Mark Thomas noted that there was a need for more writers delivering content that will project brand Jamaica. As he said, “A way needs to be developed to deliver a narrative to develop a body of information about the brand values of Jamaica.”

There were six questions posed. The discussions and earlier feedback sent revealed the following views of practitioners.

The questions were structured by Akilah Maxwell and Mark Thomas for feedback from the PRSJ. They noted that the Meet Jamaica initiative will not only have a policy but will be part of a presentation for international funding and other support.

Questions

If Jamaica were a motor car, what model would it be?

The responses in the meeting fell in two categories the car representing:

1. The potential of the Jamaican people as a very top of the line car
2. The reality of being a solid, popular Japanese car like a mid range Honda or Toyota

If Jamaica were a colour, what would it be and why?

Responses chose red for vibrancy; green for the natural environment or Gold for the value that it represents

Christine Ann Bell (rear) and Cecil Thoms

Where would Jamaica live, uptown, downtown or rural?

Most persons thought of Jamaica as rural.

If you had a good thought abut Jamaica, what would that thought be?

Friendly, creativity and the natural environment.

There were many positive accolades associated with the logo.

If you were a European citizen, list four words you think would describe  your perception of the meet Jamaica logo?

Responses included: Pride, athleticism, vibrant, progressive, creative,  colourful, energetic, environmentally friendly

If you were to see this logo associated with a Jamaican product service brand, would you feel impelled to buy this product or service?

It was considered that this would make an impression on persons living outside of the country, rather than Jamaicans living here. The logo would be more known.

Delmares White (front) and Maxine McDonnough (second row)

The visitors suggested putting the logo in the hands of children and sports enthusiasts.

Get the schools involved as a jingle and little flags. Engage Seek to print Seek exercise books and perhaps also JIS for flags.

Jampro intends to franchise the logo and any manufacturer and artisan for the Olympic games. This can be used throughout the games.

The point was raised that the logo needs to be three dimensional so that the maximum benefit can be utilized.

The logo is being registered throughout the world.

Persons and businesses interested in using the logo should contact Mark Thomas

The logo will be introduced at the Jamaica Diaspora conference through a booth.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

of the

Public Relations Society of Jamaica

March 28, 2011

Jampro Training Room,

18 Trafalgar Road, Kingston

Present
Past Presidents
Christine Ann Bell, Innovative IDEAS
Mark Thomas, Jampro
Patricia Gillings,

Trustees
Camille Taylor, LIME

Members
Akilah Maxwell , PIOJ
Carroll EdwardsUWI, Mona
Cheryl Smith, Min Finance and the Public Service
Christopher Benjamin, Communications Consultant
Claudette Myers, PIOJ
Delmares White, ODPEM
Gwyneth Davidson, OPM
Meris Haughton TAXARP
Opal Davis, NSWMA
Khorie Ann Beckford, Breakthrough Communications

Visitors
Sean Beckford, First Global Bank
N Joseph Tai, Bess100 FM
Pearl Smith, NSWMA
Teena Marie Tucker, PR student
Kim Colquhoun, Transport Authority

Apologies:
Janneth Mornan Green
Past Presidents Alison Christie Binger,

The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. and Past President, Mark Thomas, the head of Jampro corporate communications gave an extensive presentation on the Private Sector of Jamaica/ Jampro commercial initiative to promote Jamaican products and services during the London 2012 activities.

The budget for the exercise has been outlined as $50 million and aims to:
Set the record straight on doing business in Jamaica
Partner with diaspora and other businesses interests.

The initiative was launched in Birmingham in March and featured the participation of 13 small businesspeople who were mentored by Jampro and sponsored by the Jamaica Public Service.

Jamaican spices are being heavily marketed and this is done with the groundwork already being laid of 450 thousand hectares of land already reserved for agriculture.

The meeting welcomed the initiative and declared that Jamaica had already lost out on marketing efforts for the Beijing Olympics and Berlin World Championships and looked forward to a major thrust for London 2011.

President’s Report
Membership
During the administrative year, membership was accepted for seven persons.

Associate Membership
• Nicole Morrison, Public Relations Manager, The Broadcasting Commission

Full Membership
• Cindy Allman, Marketing Coordinator, Microsoft Jamaica
• Khorie Ann Beckford, Public Relations Manager, Headline Entertainment.
• Kimberly Weller, PR Officer, ODPEM
• Cecil Thoms, Communications Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
• Stephanie Shaw Smith, PR Manager, Ministry of Health
• Fern White, PR and Media Laison, Visual Diplomacy, US Embassy

Events
The Society held five general meetings which featured guest speakers on topical issues:
Social violence expert and anthropologist Online marketer and broadcaster Karlette Deleon (May); Dr Herbert Gayle (June); political scientist and director of the National Integrity Action Forum, Professor Trevor Munroe (August); Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Mr Ronald Jackson (November); and Dr Lyndon Brown, head of the Earthquake Unit (January 2011).

The fund raising University Singers concert that was held in June was not financially successful due to the low turnout. It was noted that this was shortly after the Tivoli incursion and during the State of Emergency. Members with outstanding cash from tickets that are being held are asked to send in the cash if at all possible.

The society participated in the Lunch and Learn event of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Caribbean Chapter’s The event was held at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel on July 28, 2010. A special discount was offered to paid up members of the Association.

In December 2009 and 2010, the Society also participated in joint Christmas networking events with the IABC.

Activities
The society continued to maintain its blogs and websites. A monthly newsletter PR Brief was launched in January to promote peer recognition and promotion of the best values of the practice of public relations.

Finances
.
Opening Balances

Closing Balances

Election of Officers
Trustee Camille Taylor conducted the elections where the following members were declared officers by acclaim for 2011.

President, Delmares White
First Vice President, Christopher Benjamin
General Secretary, Cecil Thoms
Vice President Finance, Christine Ann Bell
Vice President Recruitment and Membership, Opal Davis
Vice President Special Events, Akilah Maxwell
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:45p.m.

Past President Dayner Clarke was accepted as a Trustee of the Society.

The meeting acknowledged the valuable contribution of Jampro through head of corporate communications, Mark Thomas for allowing the Society to host meetings in the Training Room throughout the year. Adjournment was done at approximately 8:00p.m.
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Paid Up Members 2011-2012

PAID UP MEMBERS 2011-2012

Members are encouraged to pay annual subscriptions at General Meetings. All queries can be directed to
The President at prsj2009@gmail.com

1. Meris Haughton
2. Claudette Myers
3. Christine Bell
4. Dayner Azzelino 
5. Ellis James Laing
6. Opal Davis
7. Gwyneth Davidson
8. Camille Taylor
9. Khorie Ann Beckford
10. Chris Benjamin
11. Carol Edwards
12. Pat Gillings
13. Tamara Scott Williams
14. Lois Grant
15. Sonia Davidson
16. Beverley Josephs
17. Carlene Edwards

 Associate Member

1. Akilah Maxwell

Life Members

PRSJ 2011 Executive Elected

PRSJ 2011 EXECUTIVE ELECTED

PR Manager of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Delmares White, was returned as President of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica (PRSJ) at the Annual General Meeting held on March 28 at Jampro. First Vice President, PR Consultant, Christopher Benjamin was also returned to that post. Joining the executive as Vice President of Finance is Past President of the Society and Founder of Innovative IDEAS, Christine Ann Bell. The new Vice President Membership and Recruitment is the PR Officer at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Opal Davis; Vice President Special Events is the Administrative Assistant (External Corporation Management) at the Planning Instutute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Akilah Maxwell.  The PRSJ also welcomes Communications Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Cecil Thoms as the General Secretary.

Past President, Dayner Azzellino has been added as a Trustee of the society.

PRSJ Trustee, the Corporate Communications Manager at LIME, Camille Taylor was Director of Elections.

From left:
Vice President Recruitment and Membership, Opal Davis, NSWMA
Vice President Finance, Christine Ann Bell; Innovative Ideas
Vice President Special Events, Akilah Maxwell, PIOJ
President, Delmares White, ODPEM
First Vice President, Christopher Benjamin, Communications consultant; radio/tv producer

The Society extends its heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing executive members who helped to bring the Society back into currency and who served for the year:

• General Secretary, Cheryl Smith, PR Manager, Min of Finance and the Public Service
• VP Finance, Stephen Shaw, PR and Customer Service Mgr, NWA
• VP Membership and Recruitment, Analisa Downes, PR Manager, SLB
• Assistant Gen Sec, Deborah Hickling, Communications consultant
•  VP Special Events, Shawnette Henry, PR Manager, MIND served for a portion of the last administrative year.

Special appreciation also to head of Jampro corporate communications, Mark Thomas, who facilitated the past two AGMs and most of the General meetings of the Society over the past year.

Candidates for Election 2011-2012

Dear PRSJ Member,
You are invited to put yourself forward to serve on the PRSJ 2011-2012 Executive.

Elections will be held during the Annual General Meeting on March 29, 2010.

The following persons have indicated their willingness to serve
in the posts listed below.

Interested members can write to prsj2009@gmail.com beforehand to indicate their interest
or be nominated from the floor during the meeting.

Information on the responsibilities of each post are at the link below.
Scroll down to appropriate section.
http://agm2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/constitution-of-prsj.html

1. President - President Delmares White
2. First Vice President Christopher Benjamin
3. General Secretary - awaiting nominee
4. Assistant General Secretary - Cecil Thoms
5. Vice President Finance - - awaiting nominee
6. Vice President Recruitment and Membership - Opal Davis
7. Vice President Special Events - awaiting nominee
8. Immediate Past President, Mark Thomas
9. Past President Christine Bell  - Ethics matters

Members can also volunteer to serve as a Trustee.

Current Trustee: Member, Camille Taylor

Past President Dayner Clarke has indicated an interest to serve as a Trustee.

Notice of Annual General Meeting - Tuesday March 29, Jampro

Minutes of 2010 AGM

February 26, 2011

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in the Training Room at Jampro, 18 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. The Meeting will end at 8:00p.m.

The membership fees are outlined below:

Full Member…………………………………………… $1,000.00

Associate Member………………………………………$ 750.00

Visiting Member…………………………………………$ 750.00

Student Member………………………………………...$ 500.00

During this meeting, there will be an election to choose seven (7) Officers of the Society. Only paid-up Full, Associate and Overseas members are eligible to vote or can be elected to the Executive Committee.

Payments will be accepted in cash or by cheque. Cheques should be endorsed to The Public Relations Society of Jamaica.

Please direct queries to The Moderator (prsj2009@gmail.com).

Signed,

Delmares White

President, PRSJ

New Members Admitted to the PRSJ - January 2011

New Members Admitted to the PRSJ

The PRSJ is pleased to accept three practitioners as members:
The applications were considered at a meeting of the Executive on January 8.
The new members will be inducted into the Society at the AGM on March 15. Venue for the meeting will be announced shortly.

The new members are:

Associate Membership

• Nicole Morrison, Public Relations Manager, The Broadcasting Commission

Full Membership

• Cindy Allman, Marketing Coordinator, Microsoft Jamaica
• Khorie Ann Beckford, Public Relations Manager, Headline Entertainment.