I just returned from a trip home to Pensacola, Florida for my high school class reunion. I had planned to write a pithy post about how things had changed since the glory days of 1980. However, my bad hair photos, ridiculous clothes and adolescent stories were eclipsed by the monumental change to Pensacola in the last 100 days since the Gulf Oil Disaster.
Although the world’s whitest beaches look clear of oil, it broke my heart to see clean-up vehicles driving on our sugar white sand. The traffic on the beach was the only hub of activity. Typically the end of July marks huge crowds of visitors from around the South. Not only are the beach visitors deterred by the oil in the water, but the economy of the region is devastated leaving potential tourists unable to travel. It’s hard to imagine when this beautiful beach, fishing and tourist town will recover.
I readily admit that I am extremely fortunate to have grown up on the Florida Panhandle. I have taken for granted the privilege of sitting on fine white sand and watching birds and fish enjoy the crystal clear, blue-green Gulf of Mexico. Walking along the beach or swimming out searching for the perfect shell has always been the best way to spend an afternoon at home. Fresh shrimp, grouper and oysters have always been local and available. Not anymore.
Pensacola, Florida has had its share of natural disasters including seven major hurricane hits since my years at Woodham High School. 2004’s Hurricane Ivan devastated the area causing over six billion dollars of damage including destruction to over 37,000 homes. My family, friends and neighbors in Pensacola are incredibly resilient. I truly hope that the government and industry will step-up efforts to help the people of the Florida Panhandle recover from this manmade tragedy.
I look forward to seeing restored beauty and the financial recovery of the Florida Gulf Coast by the next 1980 Woodham High School class reunion!
There’s an air of anticipation at MMC today as our staff prepares for the annual summer season kick-off weekend. Many of our teams have been burning the candle at both ends lately launching fabulous new products, partnering with celebrities and answering the question “what’s next?” for our clients. It’s time to put all the hard work in perspective and recharge!
I took a quick survey to see how our PR pros plan to celebrate Memorial weekend. Many of us are hopping on planes to explore cities like Paris, Chicago, Savannah or San Juan, but the majority is traveling locally to area beaches and family gatherings. Barbequing with family and friends is our favorite way to enjoy the arrival of summer!
Food is a hot topic at MMC, so I asked our teams about their favorite summer dishes. Hearing tales about perfectly grilled ribs, shrimp, hotdogs and burgers has me ready to fire up my beachside BBQ! Our summer salad favorites include “juicy watermelon mixed with feta and fresh basil” and “fresh tomatoes with mozzarella, basil and vinaigrette.” Lobster topped the list of seafood treats along with fresh seasonal fruit and berries.
But, the clear leader in Memorial weekend activities for MMCers is reading. Judging by the summer reading list, it’s easy to see where the creativity at MMC originates. Our interests are wonderfully varied covering everything from classics like the Great Gatsby to chick lit like Something Blue, travel preparation in A Hedonist’s Guide to Istanbul to the culinary inspiration of Ruth Reichl’s Garlic and Sapphire. Like many lying on the beaches around our nation, we will be following the actions of Lisbeth Salandar in the Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson and stepping back in time to 1960 Jackson, Mississippi with The Help. We’ll be laughing with Chelsea Handler and nodding along with Kelly Cutrone.
Some of us are even planning to sharpen our skills with the help of The Fussy Baby Book and Engage: Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web.
We wish you a wonderful Memorial weekend filled with inspiration and relaxation!
I love visiting factories! While not the typical pastime of NYC women in PR, a trip to a plant where products are actually made has always excited me. As a young girl I watched with fascination as many family members went to work turning trees into paper at the Cantonment, Florida paper mill. Working in marketing communications today, I am still enthusiastic about the process of creating consumer goods.
This week I had the opportunity to visit the Post Cereal plant in Modesto, California. The producers of a new television series asked to film the process of creating Post Grape Nuts for an upcoming segment. I jumped at the chance to help bring the 100-year-old all natural cereal to life for consumers.
The pride at the Post plant was apparent starting with the employee of the month parking space located at the front door to the safety award clothing worn by many workers on the line. Ty, the plant manager, expertly walked us through every step of the simple, yet ingenious, cereal-making process from unloading the grain truck to wrapping pallets of finished product. Every box of Post Grape Nuts eaten in the world is made in this Modesto facility!
As a PR pro, I spend a great deal of time informing and influencing consumers and meeting business objectives. But, this week I was inspired by the opportunity to turn my attention to the joy of actually creating consumer goods. My goal is to retain the thrill of creating great products as I look for new and exciting ways to market them to consumers.
I just returned from the trip of a lifetime and am now in the process of analyzing how the experience has changed the way I think. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that my vacation destinations have shifted from urban/art oriented trips to more outward bound/test your limits excursions. Surrounding myself with nature and endurance challenges gives me a renewed self-confidence that bears fruit when I return to my New York City life and work.
My 16 days in the countryside of Ecuador and diving the Galapagos Islands, has inspired me to think differently about beauty, communication, taste and possibilities. I let go of the control and order that rules my life and melted into the framework of independent travel.
My High Water Marks:
On a waterfall trek at altitude near the Cotopaxi National Park I hit my cardio vascular limits and questioned my sanity and safety. I persevered and was rewarded with an amazing sense of accomplishment and a new take on natural beauty.
I spent half my time with young backpackers from around the world who wanted to see the real Ecuador. We shared the excitement of a sunrise view of a volcano, racing toward a bottomless green lagoon, a duckling sale at a village market, meeting an elementary school class in the country, soaking in communal thermal baths under a waterfall, but more importantly we talked about these experiences. New perspectives on environmental protection, education and quality of life were mixed in with the new food and drink we tried every day.
The marine life in the Galapagos Islands was perhaps the biggest thrill of my adventure. Following in Darwin’s footsteps, I had hoped to be inspired by the environment that changed the way we view ourselvespretty lofty goal for six days underwater. Fortunately, the adventure lived up to my expectations. We had over 30 encounters with whale sharks, swam with schools of hammerheads and were able to play with baby sea lions. I learned so much from the more experienced divers on my luxury liveaboard “Sky Dancer”, and it feels wonderful to reach new heights in a sport that I love.
After volcano trekking, repelling through waterfalls and diving with sharks, I am recharged and inspired to take on new communications challenges for my clients! And, it’s awfully nice to have a long, hot shower.
I was thrilled to join my COVERGIRL clients at their front and center table for The Black Ball last evening. It was a great occasion to sparkle and shine with the stars, but an even better opportunity to focus on what really matters in life-giving something back. Alicia Keys and The Keep a Child Alive organization, which provides vital treatment and support services to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India, showed the beautiful audience in the Hammerstein Ballroom that we can all do more.
The Black Ball celebrates the work of the world’s most influential humanitarians each year. Last night President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, and Youssou N’Dour were honored for their unbelievable work in Africa and India. Hearing their words would inspire anyone. Hearing them from a seat twelve feet away made it seem like I was personally called to action.
Mingling with celebrities like Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry, Terrance Howard, Mary J Blige, COVERGIRL Queen Latifah, Samuel L Jackson, Usher, David Bowie and Iman, Padma Lakshmi, and Tyson Beckford was a great start to the evening. But, having a front row seat for the amazing performances by Alicia Keys, John Mayer and Chris Martin was simply soulful. From beginning to end the sixth annual Black Ball was a celebration of talent and drive.
Sure, the festive Black Ball event and auction raised precious funds for Keep a Child Alive. But, more importantly the evening inspired people like me do more for others.
Many people were a little surprised to learn that my idea of relaxing and recharging is to share a beach weekend house with a group of strangers on Fire Island for the summer. It’s common practice for 20 something’s from New York to “do a share” in Ocean Beach, FI, but perhaps not 40 something professionals.
As a Floridian, I firmly believe that life is better at the beach and it’s one of the few places I truly relax. I decided this year to combine the tranquility of the beach with the stimulation of expanding my circle of friends. So, I signed up to spend six weeks this summer with strangers in a lovely home called the High Dune Inn right on the ocean.
I’m happy to report that it’s been an absolutely wonderful experience. Sitting at my desk today looking at my weekend bag, I just can’t wait to jump on the train to the ferry that takes me back to a simpler time.
Here’s what I’ve learned this summer:
Nothing is more therapeutic than pulling a wagon
Bike bells are much more pleasant than car horns
I can still dance ‘til 4am
Pilates on the beach sounds more fun than it is
Strangers can become friends in a weekend
It’s more fun to watch a movie with a big group of people
Outdoor showers are exhilarating
Stress rolls away with each wave
Napping is contagious
Sangria tastes better on the beach
Mosquitoes think I’m sweet
Sunset hues always inspire me
How do you recharge in the summer?
I’m delighted to announce that MMC is now a member of the bridal party representing Priscilla of Boston. The PR pitch for this luxury bridal design group was a couture experience. In addition to crafting a winning creative platform and communications plan for the prestigious bridal design house, the pitch team was asked to quickly share what we could individually contribute to Priscilla of Boston.
I was delighted that the search consultant provided our team with the opportunity to showcase our passion and creativity. My assignment inspiration came from the consultant who mentioned that as a creative writing test he asks students to draft their obituary. Here’s mine!
DeLisa Harmon, Public Relations Maven,
Dies of Happiness at Winning Priscilla of Boston Pitch
DeLisa Lou Harmon was celebrated for her ability to create an aspirational image for consumer products. Her work with luxury brands like Swarovski and Santa Margherita Prosecco motivated consumers to fill their lives with Red Carpet-worthy looks and events.
Ms. Harmon, a Pensacola, Florida native, was raised to value the contributions of others. She surrounded herself with bright, proactive talent at Marina Maher Communications. Her motivational leadership style inspired strategic thinking and brilliant execution from her empowered team.
Although an only child, Ms. Harmon perfected the art of conversation. She loved to share and receive information just like the beauty and fashion influencers she befriended. She was immersed in the social digital world and had been a travel Blogger since 2005, www.delisaharmon.com, sharing her personal experiences from around the world.
Whether playing with lion cubs in Zimbabwe or tackling a client’s branding challenge Ms. Harmon brought great enthusiasm and big ideas to every venture.
In the end Ms. Harmon died of sheer joy upon hearing the news that her team was awarded the prestigious Priscilla of Boston account.
I’m happy to report that although we won the account, I’m still alive. I do plan to shed many tears of joy as I see brides walk down the aisle in luxurious Priscilla of Boston gowns!
Last week, I had the opportunity to represent MMC at the Worldcom Annual Group Meeting in Seattle. The theme of this year’s meeting of PR professionals was ROI: RelationshipsOpportunityInnovation.
Representatives from 114 partner agencies based in 42 countries shared ways to deepen client relationships and motivate our teams in these challenging times. We focused on the opportunity to offer more value to current clients and ways to attract new prospects for our firms. Although the degree of change in the current media landscape varies around the world, the opportunity to expand the traditional boundaries of our profession is universal. Finally, the commitment to innovation was clear from the welcoming remarks, which encouraged tweeting during the conference, to the sponsors who offered new social media services and tools for results measurement.
My favorite example of international communications was a late night game of pool I played with partners from Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Ljubljana, Slovenia. It quickly became clear that the rules of 8 Ball are very different around the globe, but the desire to have a good time is exactly the same in any language.
MMC nets a great return on investment from participating in thought leadership discussions with our Worldcom partners. After spending three days learning from experts in the communications field, sharing best practices, and conducting agency peer reviews, I am energized and inspired to deliver more ROI for our clients, our staff and our new business prospects.
This time last week my colleague Kanchan and I were shedding our coats and heading down for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBE). Our mission was to network with industry influencers, learn about the latest culinary trends, and lend support to our Seven Daughters Wine client. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
SOBE caters to the local community more than other top industry events like the Aspen Food & Wine Classic or the New York City Wine & Food Festival. The cuisine was traditional Florida seafood and Latin influenced bites, the wine was refreshing and the spirits were tropical and sexy. Along with the top culinary talent, the tents were alive with a steel band, limbo contest and belly dancers. Celebrations like Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best event which featured superb dishes and impressive wines also sported bikini models on the runway. From the wine seminars to the sponsor parties it was clear that we were enjoying Southern Florida hospitality!
The opportunity to stay at the fabulous Fountainebleau and bond with celebrity chefs, restaurateurs, retailers, sommeliers and media personalities was amazing. I woke up this morning thinking of new ways to translate all that we learned at SOBE into exciting programs for our clients. Next, I started a list of the new products that I want to buy for my bar at home. This inspired me to host a party to share some new sips with my friends, which came full circle and developed into a media event idea
I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to pour my personal passion for the food and beverage industry into the MMC F&B team!
Cheers,
DeLisa
