Solomon McCown &

On May 21, SM& was honored at New England Society for Healthcare Communications' Lamplighter Awards ceremony. SM& SVP Michal Regunberg was on hand to take home two gold & two silver awards for communications work on behalf of healthcare clients: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Neighborhood Health Plan and the Massachusetts Alliance of SCO and PACE.

The Lamplighter Awards honor communications excellence in the New England region for marketing, public relations and communications work. We are proud of the SM& healthcare team for its stellar work and pleased to be honored alongside our top-notch clients.

Our client, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), sponsored a Boston visit by the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), mental health professionals who specialize in trauma. ITC came to Boston to help stitch lives together in the aftermath of the city's recent tragedies, spending the last week meeting with those affected by the bombings, including more than 100 ­Watertown teachers.  The event was later featured in the Boston Globe and on WBUR.

Photo by YOON S. BYUN/GLOBE STAFF

Throughout my childhood, my mother had a daily subscription to our local newspaper. Keeping up-to-date on what's happening in the community and world is something she taught me to value, and newspapers were her primary source of information. Even as newspapers struggled financially, the daily deliveries kept coming to our house.

About a year ago, my mother opted for Sunday-only delivery. While she continued to read the daily news on her laptop (Sunday delivery gave her access to the newspaper's website), I was surprised that she made the jump. I joked to my friends that newspapers are really in trouble if my mother isn't willing to pay for one.

This weekend, I got the shock of my life when my mother declared she was dropping her newspaper subscription entirely-both Sunday's print edition and online access.

She's not the only one. Numbers released Tuesday by the Alliance for Audited Media indicates Sunday subscriptions dropped 1.4% in the last year. While paid digital subscriptions are up 14.2% in that same timeframe, it's clear everyone from millennials to baby boomers are changing their media consumption habits. Those of us in PR have to be ready to adapt to these changes.

My mother says she canceled her subscription for several reasons. She found herself finding more compelling stories from other sources. While her morning used to start with a newspaper, it now starts with a cable news program like Morning Joe. She'll catch the local afternoon news on television, and says she's getting great information about the state and city from reporters there. If she's out running errands, she'll listen to the radio-which is how she found out about the Boston Marathon bombing. We have to cover all these outlets when pitching for our clients.

I doubt my mother-a fellow media junkie-will be able to resist the call of her daily paper for long. The New York Times announced it is exploring cheaper subscription rates for content in specific areas such as, politics, arts, and sports. If the Times has success with this structure, it's likely the corporation that owns our local paper will look into the possibility as well. Which would help the newspaper's bottom line, as well as restore order to my childhood home.

That has to be the conclusion of watching, listening and reading the news of the Marathon bombing and its aftermath for the last week.  While social media sites like Twitter were ablaze with bits and bites of information crossing at lightning speed and Reddit was putting out information from police scanners, there was still so much that was reported that was just wrong.  Most notably, CNN reported that authorities had a suspect in custody two days before that was the case and The New York Post erroneously had photos of innocent individuals labeled as the perpetrators.  What struck me throughout this ordeal was that when there was live action to watch - like Friday's chase down of "Suspect #2"-TV and in this case, local TV, was the place to get the news. In fact, you couldn't stop watching.  It was like viewing a real life episode of "Homeland".  But early on, in the immediate aftermath of the bombings, local TV seemed locked into their "storm coverage" formula of repeating the same thing over and over again without advancing the story.  In the meantime, The Boston Globe sent reporters to find personal stories of survivors, first responders and victims, which gave us a fuller picture of what had happened.  It's clear that the inevitable and understandable race to be first is as intense as ever.  But in the 24/7 world of social media, accuracy may be a casualty that makes the job of filtering fact from fiction harder than it's ever been and the role of the reporter one that still has real value. Because just as we all fashion ourselves detectives from watching enough Law and Order and CSI episodes, we're not; and just as we might like to think that we are all reporters, we're not.

Reporters are trained to ask tough questions, to sift through raw information and find the facts and tell the story.  We need that now as much as we ever have.  We're fooling ourselves to think otherwise.

By Michal Regunberg, Senior Vice President at Solomon McCown & Company @MRInTouch

I stepped out for a run late Sunday morning, not knowing where I was headed or where my feet would take me, just ecstatic that I am able to partake in my simple hobby. The southwest corridor bike path took me to the Back Bay and after a loop around Boston Common to the corner of Berkeley and Boylston streets.  It was that same intersection where just a week ago in a medical tent at the Boston Marathon I learned that less than 20 minutes after I crossed the finish line a pair of bombs had gone off, killing three innocent spectators, injuring nearly 200 others and bruising the spirit of so many more.

Just over a week ago, I wrote here about how training for marathons bears similar skills and strategic thinking as public relations. In the past week, I've considered a lot of thoughts and ideas I could write about the attacks at the marathon. But as I continue to deal with my own emotions after being so close to this act of terror, the most relevant is that the skills and mindset of marathon running is what Bostonians need to heal from this tragedy.

It's going to be hard and it's going to take a long time, but the Boston community will finish this race and it will finish strong. As President Obama said in his speech-addressing all breeds of Bostonians, from the born and bred to the transplants like myself and the millions who have cycled through this shining city on a hill-at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross last week, we must push on and persevere. The marathon teaches us that. It teaches us, "To not grow weary. To not get faint. Even when it hurts. Even when our heart aches." I can't find better words than the President's to describe how Boston and the running community will heal from this tragedy. In fact, you can see the healing already beginning through the outpouring of support from all corners of our country and even the world.

While the heroic acts and flood of the support from complete strangers in the aftermath of the bombings is inspiring, as a marathon runner who has completed both the Boston Marathon and four other marathons, it's in no way surprising. Boston is unique. Its unnavigable streets and the often-harsh demeanor of its residents may give off an unwelcoming impression. Marathon Monday is a different story. It's when Boston welcomes people throughout the world with open arm.

The most disturbing part of the bombing story is that they targeted spectators. Innocent spectators whose only goal that day was to support others in their marathon quest. Not all runners like running races where spectators line the street. As a runner who does, as a runner who thrives off the energy from people who stand around for hours to tell complete strangers that they will succeed and can push through the pain, to show off a funny sign and to hand out oranges or ice, this attack feels even more cowardly. Spectators don't cross a finish line of glory after a race, they don't get a medal or a fancy race t-shirt or jacket. They don't get their name printed in the paper or any of the accolades that come with completing a marathon. They are what help so many of us runners do what we crazily do. They say running is a solitary sport, but running a marathon is anything but. And Boston Marathon spectators are truly one-of-a-kind. I would not have made it through last year's 90-degree Boston Marathon if it weren't for the spectators handing out ice, spraying hoses and cheering me to Copley Square. I wouldn't have ran my second fastest marathon last week if it weren't for that girl who cheered me through a rough moment in Washington Square when I thought I was going to be sick, or the thought that my friends and boyfriend were waiting at mile 25 to give me that one last push to finish strong, or the throngs of spectators (including a few close friends who were thankfully not injured) lining Boylston Streets to support us as we crossed the finish line.

Many runners-including myself-struggled with how to feel about their accomplishment of finishing or even running the miles they did last Monday. But if we give up that pride of accomplishment, we are not just letting terrorism win, but we are letting down my favorite part of marathons-and what helps me make it through 26.2 miles-the spectators. Instead, runners should share their stories and help those affected and those struggling with how to cope with the tragedy that they have the strength to make it through this ordeal. Because, as President Obama reminded us, this community is strong and when we feel like it's just too hard "around the bend a stranger has a cup of water. Around the bend, somebody is there to boost our spirits. On that toughest mile, just when we think that we've hit a wall, someone will be there to cheer us on and pick us up if we fall."

Proud to say that I finished the race.

By Kate Plourd, Senior Account Executive at Solomon McCown & Company

As PR professionals, we understand getting a story placed for our clients is a big part of our job. But we want the story to go beyond a clip on a website. We want it to resonate with its audience.

Late last week, SM& Senior Vice President Michal Regunberg and Senior Account Supervisor Brianne Miers led an informal discussion on the power of storytelling-of going beyond facts and figures to a tale with a beginning, middle, and end.

Here's what I took away from our conversation:

1. Stories travel fast. Thanks to social media platforms like Twitter, a newsy, interesting, funny, or otherwise noteworthy item can travel at 38,250 miles per hour. That's accelerated significantly from the 2.7 miles per hour news of the Battle of Trafalgar spread back in 1805.
2. But speed isn't everything. Brain scans show that when one person tells a story to another person, their brains begin to synchronize and "ideas, thoughts, and emotions" are planted in the listener's brain. A compelling story will literally get in a reader's head. That's a powerful tool.
3. Find a good (and eager) storyteller. When working with a client to find someone who benefits from their business or initiative, make sure he or she has the ability spin a good yarn. Nothing will turn off a journalist faster than someone who is uncomfortable going on the record or isn't willing to pose for a picture.
4. Help clients recognize and provide solid anecdotes. Clients are busy running their businesses and don't always see golden media opportunities. We shared how we remind clients to recruit ambassadors for their causes or business-monthly check-ins and questionnaires were mentioned as solutions. Another strategy was to ask our contacts to make an introduction with employees who know potential ambassadors. Sometimes, it's all about finding that missing connection.
5. Be aware of potential issues. Nothing spoils a story like missing details. If HIPAA or other privacy concerns prevent someone from telling their entire story, it's best to hold off for a future opportunity.

By Amy Derjue, Senior Account Executive at Solomon McCown & Company

In early April, we announced our 19th SM& Presents Panel, an energetic discussion with some of the region's leading journalists that will examine the plans, policies and personalities that will shape Boston-post-Menino.

The tragic and senseless bombings on Marathon Monday certainly change the lens through which we view Boston and its future. What has not changed, however, is how strong, determined and resilient this city and its people are. We have all witnessed, read and shared stories about the hundreds of acts of bravery and kindness shown by our citizens, visitors from around the world, and first responders. We will come through this stronger than ever.

As we try to make sense of this evil act, we think about conversations we started last week with some leading Bostonians in the context of the city after Mayor Menino retires. We asked what three words they would use to describe the future of the city.

We now want to ask you the same. What are YOUR three words to capture the future of our city? Tweet your three words using #Boston3Words. Please share your thoughts with us. Here are my three:

Stronger Than Ever

By Ashley McCown, President of Solomon McCown

With Boston's booming real estate industry and the Hub's notorious dedication to its sports teams, it seemed only natural for NAIOPMA's Developing Leaders to bring the two together in its Professional Sports and Commercial Real Estate event on April 9. Ted Fire of The Kraft Group, Jeff White of The Boston Red Sox, and Chris Maher from Delaware North Companies formed the panel that discussed how the real estate surrounding their sports venues factors into their business decisions. Real Estate isn't the core of any of their businesses but development opportunities that are synergistic to Patriot Place, Fenway Park or the Garden require them to be fluent in the industry. Each executive faces slightly different situations between the 700 acres in Foxboro and Yawkey Way next to Fenway, but both Jeff White and Ted Fire look at the neighborhoods and streets as ways to serve the stadiums. All panelists emphasized the importance of forming a protective zone around a venue that can serve to enhance the game experience as well as the neighboring businesses. Development is generally viewed as a positive and these panelists always have their eyes open for opportunities.

For more information visit NAIOP MA and check out Team IMPACT the truly inspiring charity that partnered on the event.

GO SOX!

By Kristin Wetherbee, Assistant Account Executive at Solomon McCown & Company

The scramble to shape the post-Menino era has begun, and the stakes couldn't be higher for companies and organizations in the real estate industry, healthcare and mission-driven, non-profit sectors.

Today's announcement by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino that he will not seek re-election means the city has the chance to elect only its fourth mayor in 45 years. Since 1968, the year before the Mets won a World Series and America put men on the moon, only three people have led Boston government - Kevin White, Ray Flynn and Menino.

There will be no shortage of candidates for the job, but the seminal question is: Will Bostonians go "big" or small in choosing Menino's successor? While actual Boston residents will cast the ballots, everyone knows the money and blessing of the city's business interests will exert disproportionate weight - especially if most of the key influencers wind up unifying behind a favorite candidate.

Is Boston's next mayor a Paul Grogan, the head of the Boston Foundation, a Peter Meade, the head of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), a Stephen Lynch, the congressman from South Boston now running to succeed former U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry? Or it is City Councilor John Connolly, the only official candidate who had the temerity to get in the race early. Or Councilor Michael Ross, a bridge builder with a strong personal story to tell? Or Councilor Ayanna Pressley, the first African-American woman to serve on the Council? Or any of the dozen or so other councilors and state representativeswhose names are being floated today?

Menino has always been perceived as friendly to the development community and the city's real estate industry is booming as a result in Boston's core. Menino's administration has been wildly successful masterminding a relentless PR push touting the promise of the Fort-Point-Innovation District-Waterfront area.

Favorable financial conditions will continue to propel commercialdevelopment in the oldest real estate market in country, but the next mayor will also control the BRA, which is where the rubber meets the road for commercial real estate and affordable housing.

Boston's globally renowned network of hospitals and academic medical centers provide the jobs that employ one in five Boston residents, driving a big slice of the city's economy, so you can bet that institutional executives in the healthcare sector will want to exercise some control over the destiny of their workforce and expansion plans.

The policies of the next mayor also loom large for mission-driven non-profits, including the city's colleges and universities. A mayor who is friendly to labor uniongrowth and who demands more or larger payments-in-lieu-of-taxes, for example, would have a major impact on the business models of institutions already struggling for stability in the post-recession economy.

And then there are the neighborhood voters, who want crime kept low, their streets plowed free of snow, better family housing, a better urban transportation system, especially in the poorest neighborhoods, and, of course, better schools.

There's never a dull moment when politics and business intersect in Boston, and they haven't had the chance to collide like this since Menino succeeded Flynn in July 1993 and then won election outright that November. The next nine months will produce a political spectacle that most of the city's residents and many of its business leaders have not experienced in 20 years.

One ironic and telling anecdote, the "Menino Won't Run" story was broken Wednesday on Twitter by David Bernstein, the sharp-eyed former political columnist for the Boston Phoenix, which folded a few weeks ago.

Bernstein's scoop is a good reminder of how the media environment has changed since the days when an army of beat reporters and columnists from city's two newspapers and major television stations controlled the flow of game-changing information. It's no longer about where you work or who you work for; when you are online, breaking news is about your connections.

Based on a look at today's papers, it appears the Boston Herald, led by former Boston City Hall Bureau Chief and now Editor-In-Chief Joe Sciacca, had the story early enough to produce a package of blanket coverage in today's edition. The Boston Globe's new editor, Brian McGrory, also a former City Hall reporter and Metro columnist, appears to have paid a personal visit to the Mayor to make sure his paper remained competitive on Menino's departure plans.

By Ed Cafasso, Senior Vice President at Solomon McCown & Company

Paul Hewins, executive vice president & general manager for Skanska USA Boston (our client), was recently featured in the Boston Business Journal article, "Construction sector finally rebuilding job levels," which reports on the rise of employment in the construction industry since the recession, speaking and Skanska's growth and hiring in conjunction with Boston proper's construction/real estate revival. Click here to read the article.