PR is more than just media relations. Community relations provides valuable partnerships to strengthen the relationships between local businesses and their communities. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the community relations folks at Cobb EMC. In a nutshell, I’ve spent quite a bit of time trekking around, camera in-hand to various community events and Partners in Education field trips. I planned on taking photos. I planned on media relations. I did not plan on learning all I have along the way…
I spent Earth Day at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new “green” power biomass facility in Rabun Gap, Ga. Watching the crew flip a semi to unload the biomass was one of coolest things I’ve ever seen!
I developed a profound, deep respect for teachers as I stood in front of an auditorium of 1,300 screaming elementary students as Russom Elementary’s Teacher of the Year was announced.
I learned to “work the needles” with Cobb EMC’s Women’s Task Force, a volunteer group that raises scholarship money for local students through a quilting raffle. For a girl that could barely (and I do mean barely) sew on a button, it was awe-inspiring – so much so that I’ve now moved on to hemming – thanks, Women’s Task Force!
And my personal favorite… Cobb EMC teaches elementary students electric safety through its hot line safety demonstrations. Instructors show students how objects react when they touch power lines. Needless to say, the flaming hot dogs and balloons were a huge hit! Plus, where else can you watch hot dogs spontaneously ignite on the job?
I couldn’t be more thankful to do rewarding work that gives back to my community, to be able to learn (and let’s face it… have a blast) along the way and most importantly to be a part of the Cobb EMC family.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Matt helps organizations protect and advance their reputations and bottom lines through strategic communications programs. Using creativity, planning and flawless execution, he works with a team to deliver compelling public relations campaigns that produce results and support clients’ business objectives.
As senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman specializes in building and maintaining relationships with the media and has an excellent track record of landing significant placements in print and broadcast media including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Money Magazine.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
