When you think of social networking sites, popular global sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Yelp and Flickr may come to mind. These huge networking sites are where connections with old friends are restored and relationships with like individuals are built. It provides people with a platform to express their opinions, promote products and services they love, complain about ones they hate and express who they are – personally and professionally.

So where does Spokane and the Inland Northwest fall in the context of this communication? Sure, many of us have accounts with these groups or sign up just to dabble in one, but how can we better connect with professionals in the region?

Bill Kalivas and Allen Battle, two of four developers of LaunchPadINW.com, will be presenting at MarCom’s December meeting to talk about their new local networking site which debuted in 2008. LaunchPad-INW is the Inland Northwest's premier social networking site where professionals connect to build local strategic networks. Bill and Allen will discuss launching the site – why they did it, how they have promoted it so far and what the site features. They will also provide insight on how this site can help marketing and communication professionals strengthen their network and promote their organization to a local audience.

Before the meeting, it would be beneficial to check out the site and get a feel for it at www.launchpadinw.com. You will certainly recognize many of the professionals who have signed up so far. Bill and Allen will be entertaining a lively discussion and want you to be a part of it.

Please RSVP to attend this lively presentation at www.spokanemarcom.com/meetings/. Online pre-payment is encouraged. Only cash and checks accepted at the door.

Remember, this meeting will be on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:30 instead of the first Friday of the month.

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Join us for an evening of great food, good friends, a little wine and a whole lot of fun on Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Fox Theatre. This event is our one annual fundraiser to support local PRSSA student scholarships. Come out, show your support and bid on our fantastic auction items. Kick off your holiday shopping by bidding on some great items, while knowing what you buy goes to support a great cause.

Tickets cost only $40/person or $75/couple, includes two beverage tickets (per person) and heavy appetizers. Please RSVP online at www.prsaspokane.org/event.asp?i=152.

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Last year Board President Dave Sonntag initiated a call to members to bring in a new unwrapped toy to the December meeting in support of Toys for Tots campaign. I’d like to continue what perhaps may be a MarCom tradition, and ask that you will keep this idea growing and bring a new unwrapped toy to our December 12th meeting for Toys for Tots. Thanks Dave! It was a great idea last year and it’s a great idea this year.

Like I said, MarCom Members are a generous lot.

Wishing you all sincere best wishes of the season and humble thanks,

Jeff Thomas
MarCom President

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Do you know an undergraduate student who’s interested in public relations, communications or marketing?  Then tell them to apply for one of the three Spokane MarCom Internships that will be awarded for 2009.  The application form is on the MarCom website (www.spokanemarcom.com/internships/) and this year the stipend (yes, they get paid!) jumps up a thousand dollars to $2,500 per intern.  Intern applicants must be college juniors (or seniors who will not graduate in spring 2009), and the Internship Committee will match them with a MarCom member organization as their host for a 10-week internship during the summer or fall of 2009.  A recent intern says, “This internship has been incredibly valuable to me. It has granted me the opportunity to explore public relations, gain first-hand experience, and build up my professional portfolio.”  Applications are due February 11, 2009.

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You and your organization could host one of the three Spokane MarCom interns next year.  All you have to do is fill out the Host Application on the MarCom website (www.spokanemarcom.com/internships/) and submit it by the February 11, 2009 deadline.  The Internship Committee will match a top-notch college student with three MarCom member organizations for a 10-week internship during 2009 (and MarCom pays each intern $2,500).  So what’s not to like about this offer?  Your organization gets some extra help for free while you get the privilege of mentoring a bright, energetic college student.  Sign up today!

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