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2-Minute Case Studies Quick Reads with a Powerful Message: ak PR Group Delivers Patient advocacy group generates awareness of pancreatic cancer For the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a national patient-based advocacy group based in El Segundo, Calif., increasing research and awareness of pancreatic cancer is priority number one. Pancreatic cancer has the fourth highest rate of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women, so fighting for more research funding is extremely important so that early detection methods, effective treatment options and ultimately a cure will be available for patients and their families. Over the last two years, ak PR Group has helped PanCAN get the word out. PanCAN's media coverage has grown so substantially that its media archives are thicker than a telephone book. PanCAN now receives coverage in many consumer and trade publications, as well as radio and TV. The firm worked with PanCAN to promote Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (November) for the last three years, as well as the organization's celebrity gala, "An Evening with the Stars," which in the past has honored actors like Kelsey Grammer of NBC's Frasier, Robert Wuhl of HBO's Arli$$, and Jay Mohr of NBC's Last Comic Standing. In addition, ak PR Group helps PanCAN get more bang for its public relations dollar by training volunteers to successfully tackle local PR activities. Across the country, PanCAN volunteers now have the ability to contact the press and get coverage for their local events. Mayor of Seattle declares special day for U.S. Barista Champion To announce the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 2004 U.S. Barista Champion to the winner's hometown of Seattle, ak PR Group got a little help from the mayor. ak PR Group arranged a special media event in Seattle to officially recognize the talented U.S. Champion Barista, Bronwen Serna. The reception was held at a popular coffeehouse in Seattle, Hines Public Market Coffee. During the event, the barista champ shared her blue-ribbon skills with coffee fans, demonstrating how she makes her signature drink, Sweetness. In addition, the Mayor of Seattle joined in to declare July 7th as Seattle Barista Day to recognize the achievements of this talented professional and baristas all over the city. The coffeehouse was packed with specialty coffee enthusiasts and media. As a result, four television and four radio stations covered the event and one major daily newspaper. The SCAA's 2004 U.S. Barista Champion story aired six times on various Seattle TV stations, one of which was a live shot where the Barista Champion gave a demonstration to a reporter. In addition, The New York Times called in to cover the event. "Thanks so much for your work on the Seattle event," said Mike Ferguson, Chief Communications Officer of the SCAA. "Wow! You did a great job and really hit a home run. It was a huge success. Nicely done." Coffee lover's event gets ink The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was looking to generate publicity for its Open House & Coffee Lover's Experience event to celebrate its new headquarters in downtown Long Beach, Calif. The two-day interactive affair featured an open coffee lab for tastings and specialty coffee roasting, plus lots of exciting presentations. For added flavor, the event also presented a special guest: the 2003 United States Barista Champion, who showcased the art of espresso to attendees. ak PR Group was charged with getting the word out to the Los Angeles area about this coffee lover's learning experience. As a result of public relations efforts by ak PR Group, several articles were placed that featured the association, the event and the U.S. Barista Champion. The outcome? The event was a success with more attendees participating than the association expected. In addition to being featured in several local papers, a lengthy article appeared on the cover of The Los Angeles Times food section. Tech company makes waves in Bay area ak PR Group recently worked with Prosumer Solutions, a Scottish-based software development company that offers an innovative tool that makes it faster, smarter and cheaper to build and deploy any type of web application. ak PR Group's President Aaron Kiel was charged with arranging a meet-and-greet press tour in the San Francisco Bay area, part of a U.S. launch. Kiel's urgent mission: Create and establish working relationships with leading technology publications and editors on the beat of web-based applications and new products. As a result, he secured several 1:1 meetings with key reporters - an opportunity for Prosumer Solutions Founder and President Dr. Richard Marshall to introduce his new product, its benefits and the company's vision for web applications. The outcome? Strong relationships were established with top-tier media outlets on Prosumer's target list. Positive ink was generated and the company made waves by reaching out to its main audience - potential customers and partners. |
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