WPBCC PR 101
BY
Carol Fox & Associates (CF&A) is working on behalf of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce (WPBCC)
PR is storytelling, but instead of telling the story to just one person, it’s told to the media. The CF&A publicists share these stories by distributing press releases and by contacting the media with story angles to secure interest, resulting in features in local media, from online outlets like TimeOut Chicago and BlockClub to television stations,
radio and magazines.
PR is storytelling, but instead of telling the story to just one person, it’s told to the media. The CF&A publicists share these stories by distributing press releases and by contacting the media with story angles to secure interest, resulting in features in local media, from online outlets like TimeOut Chicago and BlockClub to television stations,
radio and magazines.
What makes for a good business story?
Angles that we are looking for can include:
o Announcing a merchandise line in collaboration with an artist
o Rolling out a seasonal menu for your restaurant
o Announcing a new product of service
o Announcing a new executive member of the team (CEO, Head Chef, etc.)
o Plans for charitable sales / a donation of proceeds
o Milestones: A 5-year anniversary of being in businesses
o Ways that your business is fostering the community
o Events are always great, though unfortunately not all can be publicized due to timing and messaging strategy.
The CF&A team will help
1. Share good news about WPBCC with news outlets, social media and other public platforms
2. Create events or campaigns that get people excited or aware of something happening within the Chamber.
3. Manage public perception of the Chamber.
Timing
Depending on the story, CF&A typically requires a notice of the event at least three weeks in advance to move forward with publicizing. The earlier the better!
Assets
The PR questionnaire below will help answer important details about your company and stories / events that may be publicized. The more context and background we have, the better we can represent your brand.
Next Steps
After receiving the questionnaire below, the CF&A team will reach out if an angle seems fitting to promote.
Please complete the information below to provide as much media exposure as possible for your business, the neighborhood and The Chamber. Please forward this form, any relevant attachments, including photos or video footage you think may help us target the appropriate media to the contact info below. If an event comes up at a later time, this form can be filled out then.