Media played such an important role in 2012 – as it does every year – with so many uncanny and fascinating issues. Traditional and new media were laden with the embattled presidential election, the fiscal cliff, the Mayan calendar, twin babies dancing, dancing sensations, naked royals and much, much more. Needless to say, it’s been an interesting and educational 2012.
Fortunately, the last 12 months have been great for IABC/Chicago. We played host to over 1,500 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from across the world at the 2012 IABC World Conference (2013 info here). We saw new professional development and networking opportunities, our Bronze Quill program go digital, and introduced the Karen Utterback Volunteer of the Year Award. I feel the culmination of these activities, along with our set of wonderful leaders, led to an increase in both chapter membership and volunteering. All that said, I wanted to express my thanks for making this job a little easier and our chapter a little stronger. As president, I felt it important to share a 2012 chapter snapshot:
Total number of IABC/Chicago Members: 415 (Dec 2012)
- Accredited Members (ABC): 28
- Corporate members: 118
Years in the communication (includes annual, corporate and 500 club members):
- 0-5 years 70
- 6-10 years 185
- 11-15 years 275
- 16-20 years 311
Volunteers
- Number of volunteers for chapter events – 61
- Number of IABC World Conference volunteers – 76
Social Media
- Facebook Likes – 56
- Twitter Followers – 1023
- LinkedIn Group Members – 774
- Klout Score – 44
Chapter Events
- 9 Professional development and Networking Events
- 2 number of Senior Communicator Forums
- 3 webinars
Number of IABC/Chicago Bronze Quill Awards distributed: 32
University Relations
- Number of University Chapters – 2 (Loyola University, DePaul University)
- Number of Student Mentors – 32
IABC has also seen a lot of change. Members now can now utilize our Discovery database for free, the CW journal will be migrated to a new digital format that provides a more robust experience, and our accreditation process is currently being revamped to achieve the highest global standard. We also have a revamped Gold Quill Program, allowing for online submission and judging. (I have to pause and tout IABC/Chicago for leading the way, initiating our online Bronze Quill program last year, which proved extremely successful! The competition is open now, so get your entry ready!)
Change is good – not only to remain competitive but to remain fresh and exciting. As we move in to 2013, signs are pointing to an improved economy and a decrease in unemployment. I hope it proves true. Personally, I feel it will be a year for inward reflection. I think people will learn to take a little more accountability for their actions, spend a little less on material items and increase their quality time with loved ones. Let’s check in January of next year to see if I’m right.
I’d be interested in hearing what your thoughts are for the coming year. Here’s to a wonderful 2013!
Justin Brunner
President