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 design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman is a strategic communications leader specializing in media relations and reputation management. With a proven track record of securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and USA Today, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Mike Touhill is vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, where he helps lead traditional, social and digital media programs for B2B and B2C clients in packaging, telecommunications and technology, among other industries. As a communication leader, he develops and executes public relations strategy, provides proactive and reactive counsel to C-level executives and secures earned media coverage for client initiatives and product.
Andrew Agan is a vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, overseeing the agency’s internship program and leading media relations, content strategy and social media initiatives. He provides counsel and executes campaigns for clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, hospitality, technology, automotive and many others. Andrew excels at crafting compelling stories and building media relationships, resulting in clients being featured in notable outlets such as CNBC, Associated Press, Business Insider, Fox Business, HBO, Inc. Magazine, Sirius XM, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among others.
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.