Moderator: Lisa Schaffner, Public Relations & Marketing Director, UNOS. Lisa Schaffner joined UNOS as PR Director after a 25 year broadcast career. Previously, she anchored WRIC-TV8. She has served on dozens of area non-profits including Central Virginia Foodbank, Meals on Wheels, Easter Seals Virginia and Maymont.

The Panel: Hear our panel of experts discuss advice, hints & tactics on promoting your business with free publicity in a variety of media.

Aaron Kremer, Founder & Editor, RichmondBizSense. His work has appeared in Slate, the L.A. Times, TheStreet.com and Reuters. He was also a staff writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, appears on local TV, and speaks nationally.

Phaedra Hise, Richmond-based freelance writer, Inc. and Fortune. Contributor to several national publications, and published in Glamour, Inc., Forbes ASAP, Boston Globe and more. Author of 4 books and speaker in media & education.

Robert Powell, Editor, Virginia Business. Previously, a reporter & editor at Richmond News Leader and Times-Dispatch where he was associate business editor, primarily responsible for the weekly Metro Business section.

Sean Ryan, PR Professional, The Hodges Partnership. Former business reporter for Inside Business, editor/writer for Tuff Stuff Publications, contributor to publications including Virginia Living, Tampa Tribune, Baltimore Sun and more.

Greg Gilligan, Business Editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch. Previously, Greg was deputy business editor and assistant business editor. He’s covered the Virginia retail industry and written a weekly column, Biz Buzz. His assignments have included sales positions at Wal-Mart, Bath & Body Works, World of Mirth, Costco, Saks Fifth Ave, Hecht’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, Crate & Barrel and more.

Location: Westin Richmond Hotel
6631 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23226
804-282-8444
Directions >>

Member News & Events

Congratulations Jo Ann Rossi, ZOOOM Printing

Selected by a national trade publication as a rising star to watch!

Powhatan Chamber Monthly Luncheon

Thursday December 17 2009

County Seat Restaurant
Networking begins at 11:30–Buffet lunch starts at 12 noon–Lunch is $8.00.
RSVP is requested —call the Chamber office 598-2636.

Lit Boat Parade up the Pagan River

Saturday, December 19

The parade leaves Smithfield Station at 7:30, goes behind town, out to Gatling Point and then back to Smithfield Station at about 8:30. Make reservations to dine with us, or bring your boat and join us! Anyone who has a lit boat in the parade receives complimentary docking Saturday night! Call for reservations now! 757-357-7700

January at the Science Museum of Virginia

January 1–22

Everest (IMAX®DOME film) Join a daring group of mountaineers as they tackle the treacherous faces of the world’s tallest mountain—Mount Everest. It’s a spellbinding journey with an international team of climbers who find hope and beauty as they meet seemingly impossible physical challenges. These intrepid climbers become heroes along the way as they triumph in the wake of tragedy. $8.50

January 1–April 1

Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk (IMAX®DOME film) Set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Adventure takes you on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Meet Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a world-renowned environmental activist dedicated to water conservation and river restoration, and Wade Davis, the eminent anthropologist and writer. The film documents their journey as it raises awareness of water management and conservation to global crisis and individual responsibility. $8.50

www.smv.org

Westin Richmond Hotel Achieves AAA 4-Diamond Rating

A wonderful accomplishment for hits first year of operation. RMA is proud that the Westin Richmond is a member and our host for First Friday Forums. Join us in congratulating them. www.westin.com/richmond

December 16, 2009

First Friday Forum

Friday, January 8, 2010

PR for Small Business: A panel of professionals offers tips on getting the word out about your business