Tag: PR

The PR Tactic of the NHL

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Earlier this week the NHL announced there was an “agreeable” proposal on the table and if the NHLPA agreed to it, a full 82 game season could start on November 2.  This announcement was made shortly after the proposal was given to Donald Fahr, the union’s executive director.  This gave fans hope and something to possible look forward to. Instead, they got more cancelled games.

Thursday, the players offered the NHL three counterproposals that were all shot down by the NHL. This also caused the NHL to cancel another weeks worth of game through November 1. This is not a total surprise seeing the season wouldn’t have started until November 2 had the proposal been signed.

What makes this situation in the lockout unique is what the NHL did from a PR standpoint. Commissioner Gary Bettman, basically told the public the season would start on November 2 and it would be possible to play all 82 games.  A few days later, when the NHLPA didn’t agree, he cancels more games and makes it look like the players caused this. He tried to show that he was focused and concerned about the season getting back on track, by announcing the new proposal and that it could save the season. When the players rejected it, it causes fans to lose hope. Even the New York Times has stated that the fans are starting to blame the players for the continuation of the lockout. Many fans are extremely upset about the current situation have been voicing their opinions.

Buffalo Sabres fan, Dan Szudik stated, “At this point, you have to feel the NHL is playing the PR game to perfection. It really makes it look like the NHL is doing everything they can and this is all the players fault. What a difference a week makes in the world of public opinion.”

One Boston Bruins fan, Holly Post, has even taken her message to Facebook hoping to capture the leagues perspective from another viewpoint. She’s a 19-year-old college student working two jobs to pay for her season tickets. Not only is she missing the sport she loves, but the lockout is costing her more money as the local pub she works at is lacking business. Watch video here: NHL Fan Speaks Out

At this point, it’s hard to say when the NHL lockout will end. Fans, including myself, would love to see the season start on November 2 and it is still possible. If the NHL and NHLPA reach an agreement by October 25 games will begin. But, with the proposals shot down and no new negotiations scheduled, it could mean a longer and longer lockout.

Updated: October 22, 2012

Racing Returns to the Motor City

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

Detroit Grand Prix 2012 LogoBELLE ISLE, MI – After four years racing has returned to Detroit with the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.  The Grand Prix features a 2.1 mile track with 14 exciting turns, and plenty of grand stands for fans to cheer on their favorite drivers.  There is even the Meijer Fun Zone for families and kids to enjoy between races.

Today was Social Media Saturday sponsored by Channel 7 – WXYZ, Detroit.  I was lucky enough to be able to attend the event.  You can see my tweets and Facebook posts from throughout the day on each of my pages, but here is a recap:

The day started out with a trip behind the scenes of the Grand Prix, so I was able to see where all the cars were with all the teams hard at work on them.  I’ve never been to a race before, so being this close to the cars are the drivers was awesome!  While back there, Channel 7 arranged for Jim Jordan, a member of the Dempsey Racing team to talk with us.  And when I say Dempsey Racing, I mean Patrick Dempsey, as in Dr. McDreamy.

For those of you that don’t know, Patrick Dempsey is not only an actor, but he is also a race car driver and was in Detroit to race in the Grand Prix.  Dempsey actually got his start in racing from doing voiceovers in Mazda commercials.  He had always had a passion for racing, and Mazda gave him his start.  I learned a lot about Dempsey Racing as well as Patrick Dempsey himself from Jim Jordan.  You can get updates from Jordan and all the other members of the Dempsey Racing team by following them on Twitter, @GoDempseyRacing.

Dane MoxlowMeeting with Jordan was not the only meet and greet during the day.  I got to meet race car driver and Michigan native, Dane Moxlow.  I got to hear about his take on the Belle Isle Grand Prix course and how he uses social media to stay connected with fans.  He especially likes Twitter because it’s a way for fans to get real-time updates during race weekends.  Be sure to follow him on twitter, @DMoxlow.

One final stop before heading to the grand stands to watch the races was the Team Chevy tent.  There was an autograph session going on, snacks, and beautiful Chevy cars to check out.  After getting my autographs, I headed to the stands to watch the races!

I did not stay for the entire Grand Prix, but the races I did get to see were pretty exciting.  This was like nothing I had experienced before.  It’s great that the city of Detroit was able to bring the Grand Prix back this year, and I’m extremely grateful that I got to experience it.  And with the help of Channel 7, I got to experience it in style!

The Grand Prix continues tomorrow where you can attend the IZOD IndyCar Series race, the Pirelli World Challenge Series race #2, and the Firestone Indy Lights race.  Tickets are limited, but available, so be sure to grab them before they’re gone.  And even though Social Media Saturday is over, you can still tell everyone about the event.  Don’t forget to us the hashtag #detroitgp when tweeting your updates!

Note: This is not a publication associated with Channel 7 – WXYZ or the Chevrolet Grand Prix.  This was written as an opinion piece by a private writer.

Lidstrom Retires from NHL

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

DETROIT, MI – This morning Detroit Red Wings captain, Nicklas Lidstrom announced his retirement from hockey and the Detroit Red Wings during a press conference at Joe Louis Arena.  Lidstrom has played with the Wings for twenty seasons and has served as the captain of the team for the last six years.

Lidstrom stated, “Retiring today allows me to walk away from the game with pride, rather than have the game walk away from me.”

Lidstrom had a “Hall of Fame” career. He has helped the Red Wings win four Stanley Cups.  He has also been awarded the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman seven times. Lidstrom has played in 1,564 regular-season games in his NHL career putting him behind Gordie Howe on Detroit’s all-time list. Other statistic are 1,142 points (264 goals & 878 assists) which is the fourth most in franchise history.

Lidstrom’s Stanley Cup Playoffs numbers are just as impressive as his regular season statistics. During his career he never missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, meaning he’s appeared in 263 post-season games. During the playoffs he’s score 54 goals, had 129 assists for a total of 183 career playoff points.

Hockeytown will surely miss Nicklas Lidstrom.  Thanks for twenty year of great hockey.

*Note: This is not a published story from the Detroit Red Wings. Everything stated comes from a private writer.

Google is Here to Help

Posted on by mlavens in PR News & Info

When I first took a PR class, I remember learning about the importance of a press release.  Covering the 5W’s and making sure the most important information came first in.

Well I recently discovered something in Google Docs…templates!  And one of those templates is for a press release.  This is a great resource if you want to make a professional press release, without having to spend too much time formatting it.

Plus, there are plenty of other resources on Google Doc Templates.  You can find templates for resumes, cover letters, school projects, and everything else!  This is a great place to help you out with any kind of document.  Be sure to check it out.