June Archives

The Today Show’s Ann Curry Says Goodbye

So after much rumor and speculation, Ann Curry announced this morning that she will be leaving The Today Show. After more than 15 years with the show and a year as the co-anchor, she shed a tearful goodbye as she explained she would be assuming a new role with the news organization.  While the announcement doesn't come as a shock (Good Morning America surpassed them in the ratings for the first time in 852 weeks this April and has been nipping at their heels ever since) it is somewhat surprising to see all of the behind-the-scenes drama that NBC is embroiled in.

First, there are stories out of news organizations such as Fox and the New York Post saying that the next-in-line for the job, Natalie Morales, will quit if she is passed over for either Savannah Guthrie or Hoda Kotb. And then there are the gossip sites such as Radar Online and others reporting that Matt Lauer's wife will divorce him if Natalie gets the job because of a long-time rumored affair between the two.  At a time when a quick Google search of Matt Lauer brings up these gossip stories just as high as any stories from reputable news organizations, it will be interesting to see if or how NBC deals with them.

ann curry

Helene Solomon: Be A Leader—Not a Boss

SM& CEO Helene Solomon provides PR agency workplace insight to PRNews' 2012 Salary Report.  In the byline, Helene attributes the success of SM& to the team she and partner, Ashley McCown, have built over the years. Helene provides tips on building a successful agency through leadership and describes specific team-building programs currently in place at SM&.

 

Click here to read the full article.

 

Helene Solomon

SM& SVP on the Supreme Court Ruling

SM& Vice President, Michal Regunberg, provides her communications perspective on how social media covered the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act in this one-minute video.

Check it out.

 

Michal regunberg social media healthcare supreme court ruling

SM& Poll Featured on Massnonprofit.org

Solomon McCown's New Normal Poll was featured in this week's "Expert Advice" column by Carla Cataldo on Massnonprofit.org. Cataldo references our poll in regards to national sentiment towards volunteerism & giving after the recession.

Click here to read the full article.

massnonprofit.org


Grand Opening for Hostelling International in Boston

Over the past few days, our client Hostelling International has been featured in several different media outlets for the grand opening of its new Boston hostel. It all started with a successful ribbon cutting ceremony that included speeches from Mayor Thomas Menino and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley as well as dragon dancing. The coverage included:

- WBZ radio's Doug Cope was there to discuss the building's green aspects and affordability with Hostelling International New England Executive Director Deborah Ruhe.

- Boston.com's Jeremy Fox from Your Town Downtown wrote an article expressing excitement over the hostel's environmental efficiency as well as it's promotion of cultural community.

- The Boston Herald touted the opening and a shot a video of the hostel.

- NECN's New England Business also put together a segment on the hostel.

- Additional coverage of the hostel can be read on CityBizList Boston and Northeast Real Estate Business Online.

Last week, The Boston Globe previewed the hostel with an article and slideshow highlighting the its unique features including its energy efficiency and affordable pricing.

 

hostelling international boston public relations

The Roger Clemens Verdict: Winners & Losers Unclear

SM& President and crisis management expert Ashley McCown was featured in PR News on June 21st providing her perspective on the fallout of the Roger Clemens trial and verdict for all of the players involved.

Click here to read the full article.

PRNEWS

Congrats to Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters!

Please join us in congratulating Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) of Greater Boston! Its "Friend 2 Friend" program was recently awarded one of the inaugural 2012 Ruderman Prizes in Disability from the Ruderman Family Foundation.

We're proud to have had a long and productive relationship with JBBBS - our CEO Helene Solomon serves on its board of directors. And since last year, Account Coordinator Ben Levine has served as a "big brother" and also volunteers on several committees for the "Big Little Connection,"  JBBBS' young professionals arm.

"At Solomon McCown there is definitely an undercurrent of volunteerism, where everyone is encouraged to give their time to causes that are important to them," said Ben. "I started as a big brother because I wanted to be a positive role model for a little brother, but now I've gotten more involved. I hope to attract more volunteers, because it's been such a fulfilling connection for me."

Friend 2 Friend is a ground-breaking program that matches Big Brother Big Sister-type volunteers as companions for adults who have disabilities. The Ruderman Foundation also recognized JBBBS' pioneering work in providing Big Brothers and Big Sisters to children with cognitive, behavioral, emotional and physical disabilities.

Competition for the award was impressive- out of 150 entries originating in seven countries, JBBBS is one of only four Ruderman Prize recipients in the United States and 10 worldwide. This is a tremendous accomplishment for JBBBS and its leadership, and will undoubtedly result in many more people with disabilities in our community receiving the hope and opportunities they need to thrive.

We look forward to continuing our support of JBBBS and its critical mission for years to come!

By Brianne Miers, Senior Account Supervisor at Solomon McCown & Company

 

JBBBS

The Governor tours new Boston hostel

Our client, Hostelling International Boston, hosted the Governor for a tour of their new Boston hostel located at 19 Stuart Street.

 

The new hostel is equipped with 480 beds, great city views, and private bathrooms. The hostel has been built to LEED® green building certification program standards and is expected to be the first LEED certified hostel in the nation. It will bring more than 46,000 visitors to Boston each year, 60 percent of which will be international guests coming from more than 85 countries.

A formal grand opening celebration complete with a ceremonial ribbon cutting will take place on June 22 with Mayor Menino in attendance.

 

Our client, Hostelling International Boston, hosted the Governor for a tour of their new Boston hostel located at 19 Stuart Street.

The new hostel is equipped with 480 beds, great city views, and private bathrooms. The hostel has been built to LEED® green building certification program standards and is expected to be the first LEED certified hostel in the nation. It will bring more than 46,000 visitors to Boston each year, 60 percent of which will be international guests coming from more than 85 countries.

A formal grand opening celebration complete with a ceremonial ribbon cutting will take place on June 22 with Mayor Menino in attendance.

Hostelling International Boston

Chief Executive Magazine Profiles Skanska USA CEO

The CEO of Skanska USA, Mike McNally, our client, was interviewed by Chief Executive Magazine editor J.P. Dolan, sharing his insight on the construction industry, the importance of workplace safety as well as the leadership programs offered to develop employees.  Click here to read the resulting article, "Soft Skills for Hard Hats," to learn McNally's industry perspective as well as what it's like to manage a company with 7,000 employees across the nation.

 

Chief Executive Soft Skills for Hard Hats Public Relations Solomon McCown

Ashley McCown on Roger Clemens Post-Trial

SM& President and crisis communications expert, Ashley McCown, provides a PR perspective on Roger Clemens' post-trial reputation and his future in Cooperstown.

Click here to watch.

Roger Clemens post trial public relations