The Public Affairs Officer - The Public Affairs Specialist

HighViz Consulting Group Introduces Abbe Buck Public Affairs

2009-04-21T06:35:00.008-04:00

Topic: Abbe Buck Public Affairs

Washington, DC, Sat., April 18, 2009: HighViz / (ABBE BUCK PUBLIC AFFAIRS) is focused on providing attention to detail and the specific needs of each project that is delegated to us. We recognize the unique situations of every effort that we are consulted on. As HighViz would say, "there is no "one size fits all" in any of the work that we do!"

HighViz/ABPA sees their strong marketing, research and journalism backgrounds as providing them with an edge over most public relations/marketing communications service providers, This is most particular in the areas of crisis management, public outreach and awareness campaigns.

A "stealth" approach: HVCG/ABPA thrives when a client should need "not for public knowledge" information within non-penetrated [market] areas where they will have a need for their own growth and expansion. We also like to determine different paths that a customer may seek to travel on via "needs analysis" and full strategy audits within public and private sector organizations. We build on several years of research in many areas, both Federal and Commercial to create and implement results-driven business. This leads us to working to market public outreach programs for a variety of target audiences in order to define our own customer's goals. We also initiate intensive press and publicity efforts designed to shape and define image, reputation and leadership position for public and private sector organizations. We have achieved significant results, both in media attention and public responsiveness.

As HVCG/ABPA starts work with each new client, the company works in a "storyboard" process: from the beginning we discover: what goals do they seek to accomplish? What "sequence of events" is vital to get them there? The objectives that we have in this template become part of each organizations backbone, and is continued to be references upon.

Abbe Buck Public Affairs/HighViz Federal: In HighViz's past performance (ten years) within the Federal Government, they have focused their efforts with the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services and other Civilian "service - based" agencies. As Government Agency Laision and seasoned facilitator, Abbe Buck (principal HighViz) has worked with top DC law firms, associations, organizations, foundations, information management and technology offices, and major Fortune 1000 Corporations. Ms Buck has developed a knowledge base of expertise within federal agencies that reached non-profits to all facets of federal contracting including security (NISPOM). Note: Abbe Buck is a Registered Shipley Consultant and has secured $50 MM contracts (ALLIANT) for firms from ASSYST to BearingPoint, Inc.

SERVICES SNAPSHOT: In recent work with top government contractors, HVCG/ABPA has specialized in consulting to contractors whom provided government agencies, law fims, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses, Federal agencies, including Health and Hunman Services, Department of State, Education, US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Army, and prime information technology, (networking products and services). HVCG/ABPA has gone a step further to act in a communications "matchmaker", strategic alliance-type-capacity with smaller, but equally reputable companies that seeks to bring their services to market, and will have a healthy effect on the "prime" return on investment within the first year of service.

QUESTIONS? Contact Abbe Buck Public Affairs at 1-800-380-2825, or e-mail abbe@highviz.net

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ABPA on twitter: www.twitter.com/abbebuck

HighViz Consulting Group Introduces Abbe Buck Public Affairs

2009-01-18T18:46:00.009-05:00

Topic: Abbe Buck Public Affairs

HighViz / (ABBE BUCK PUBLIC AFFAIRS) is focused on providing attention to detail and the specific needs of each project that is delegated to us. We recognize the unique situations of every effort that we are consulted on. As HighViz would say, "there is no "one size fits all" in any of the work that we do!"

HighViz/ABPA sees their strong marketing, research and journalism backgrounds as providing them with an edge over most public relations/marketing communications service providers, This is most particular in the areas of crisis management, public outreach and awareness campaigns.

A "stealth" approach: HVCG/ABPA thrives when a client should need "not for public knowledge" information within non-penetrated [market] areas where they will have a need for their own growth and expansion. We also like to determine different paths that a customer may seek to travel on via "needs analysis" and full strategy audits within public and private sector organizations. We build on several years of research in many areas, both Federal and Commercial to create and implement results-driven business. This leads us to working to market public outreach programs for a variety of target audiences in order to define our own customer's goals. We also initiate intensive press and publicity efforts designed to shape and define image, reputation and leadership position for public and private sector organizations. We have achieved significant results, both in media attention and public responsiveness.

As HVCG/ABPA starts work with each new client, the company works in a "storyboard" process: from the beginning we discover: what goals do they seek to accomplish? What "sequence of events" is vital to get them there? The objectives that we have in this template become part of each organizations backbone, and is continued to be references upon.

Abbe Buck Public Affairs/HighViz Federal: In HighViz's past performance (ten years) within the Federal Government, they have focused their efforts with the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services and other Civilian "service - based" agencies. As Government Agency Laision and seasoned facilitator, Abbe Buck (principal HighViz) has worked with top DC law firms, associations, organizations, foundations, information management and technology offices, and major Fortune 1000 Corporations. Ms Buck has developed a knowledge base of expertise within federal agencies that reached non-profits to all facets of federal contracting including security (NISPOM). Note: Abbe Buck is a Registered Shipley Consultant and has secured $50 MM contracts (ALLIANT) for firms from ASSYST to BearingPoint, Inc.

SERVICES SNAPSHOT: In recent work with top government contractors, HVCG/ABPA has specialized in consulting to contractors whom provided government agencies, law fims, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses, Federal agencies, including Health and Hunman Services, Department of State, Education and the US Army, and prime information technology, (networking products and services). We have then gone a step further to act in a communications "matchmaker", strategic alliance-type-capacity with smaller, but equally reputable companies that seeks to bring their services to market, and will have a healthy effect on the "prime"return on investment within the first year of service.

QUESTIONS? Contact Abbe Buck Public Affairs at 1-800-380-2825

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Follow ABPA on twitter: www.twitter.com/abbebuck

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

2009-01-18T18:37:00.009-05:00

USACAC. United States Army Combined Arms Center reports:

...

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Extract from Center for Army Lessons Learned Initial Impressions Report 06-11,
Disaster Response Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Figure 8-1: Public affairs interview in Mississippi

This article addresses the need for public affairs (PA) support during disaster relief operations. Public interest in how the U.S. government and the Army supports relief operations was significantly increased after Hurricane Katrina because this domestic disaster hit home in a monumental way. PA officers (PAOs) on the Gulf coast had to work closely with civilian media to ensure command messages and military information was disseminated in an accurate and timely manner. PAOs leveraged the power of U.S. media organizations to assist in information gathering and dissemination.

One National Guard (NG) division PAO in Louisiana conducted a vigorous media information program to get the command message out, despite staff shortages. The NG division, operating under the modular force structure, deployed with no organic staff. The modular force structure authorizes three officers and seven enlisted personnel in the PA section. The NG division possessed only one qualified PAO, who acted as the single point of contact for media operations within the division.

Through rigorous networking with military and civilian media agencies, the PAO was able to coordinate media coverage when opportunities surfaced. Most of this coordination was conducted while attending civilian news media meetings at the state emergency operations center. Command messages were disseminated via these meetings and with the military PA detachment (MPAD) located at Belle Chase, Louisiana, south of New Orleans. However, the MPAD was not part of the division. The division PA office had no tasking authority over the MPAD. Priority of media coverage was determined by the Louisiana NG chain of command, instead of the division-assigned command and control authority. If the MPAD was not available, the division PAO would cover stories on his own. These stories would be included in a newsletter that was distributed by the MPAD. The PAO also would arrange press meetings for the division commander. The PAO possessed 15 years of prior enlisted PA experience. This experience was critical in filling the void in staff structure.

In Mississippi, all intelligence/information was channeled through the joint task force (JTF) G2, who was also acting as the G5 and G7. As tactical-level units reported information about civil infrastructure and the status of services to the G2, this information was also passed to civilian media outlets by the JTF PAO. Initial military response priorities were communicated via press conferences and field media contacts at the local and higher headquarters levels. These priorities became part of the overall information operations (IO) plan and the media support plan. Sample talking points in the initial phase of the relief operation are listed below.

NG Support to Hurricane Katrina
As of 2 September 2005

Key Messages

This is what we do. We are trained and ready to help others, whether they’re overseas or in the United States. These are our neighbors we’re helping now. We’re looking forward to getting there and doing our part to help.
We’ve been deployed before, so we’re used to being away from home for months at a time. No one likes to be away from his or her loved ones for too long, but we feel fortunate that it is for a good cause. The sooner we can get there the better for everyone. I’m ready.
These National Guardsmen are trained professionals who bring great expertise and sensitivity to their mission in support of local law enforcement.
NG helicopters have evacuated hundreds of sick and injured persons out of the devastated greater New Orleans area.
Over the next few days, that number will rise to nearly 30,000 as we continue to deploy personnel and critical equipment to the hardest hit areas.
These are National Guardsmen saving, protecting, and serving the American people. They are committed citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, gathered from communities across this country.
The NG has a tradition of responding during natural disasters.
More than 320,000 NG Soldiers and Airmen and their equipment from all states are ready to mobilize into the disaster-struck area.
We understand the mission that lies ahead of us. This is why we serve – to help the nation in times of national crisis.

Insights/Lessons learned

PA coverage while supporting domestic disaster assistance is vital in disseminating the command message and telling the Army story.
The division PAO must be resourced with the authorized level of section personnel to properly conduct media support operations. Working one-deep has the potential to cause gaps in media coverage and may cause media opportunities to be lost.
It is important for the PAO to be present in any disaster relief to act as a conduit for military and civil leadership.

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) Implications

Training: PA cells need to know and understand IO tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to take the lead when no IO personnel are present.
Personnel. Commanders should place more emphasis on resourcing the PA office with the staff needed to conduct media operations during domestic disaster support operations. Deploying staffs should plan for the appropriate level of media support during domestic disaster support operations or identify civilian-acquired skills sets that will support the PA section.

Table of Supporting Observations
Observation Title		CALLCOMS File Number
Public Affairs Operations During a Natural Disaster		44841-43727
Intelligence Support to Effects		77501-71346

CALL Homepage >> CALL Products

Last Updated: Sep 18, 2008

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How to get PA Support: A Memorandum from The California Air National Guard

2009-01-18T18:27:00.005-05:00

To Whom It May Concern:

As a community-based organization, the California National Guard strives to support and participate in events throughout the state that benefit Californians and give them insight into their National Guard. These events, such as parades, ceremonies and air shows are important to us, as they are to the groups and communities that sponsor them.

The California National Guard receives a large number of requests throughout the year supporting all areas of the state, and while every attempt is made to provide accommodation, it is not always possible to support each and every event. Support is based on availability of assets and mission requirements. All requests will be reviewed to ensure events are in accordance with National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Manual 360-5 (NGB PAM 360-5), Army Regulation 360-1 (AR 360-1) and Air Force Instruction 35-101 (AFI 35-101). These regulations exist to ensure that conflicts with civilian enterprise are avoided and National Guard personnel are not placed in inappropriate situations.

Thank for your interest of the California National Guard. In order to accommodate your request for support we ask for the following items at least 90 days in advance:

1. The Army and Air Force have automated request systems. The links are on our Cal Guard website and in section 3 of this form. Event requestors must go to the respective websites that they wish to request from to begin the process for military support. After the approval letter is sent to you, send it to the California National Guard Public Affairs Office along with the DD Form 2535.

2. The form must be filled out in its entirety, to include the FAA waiver section. To help you out, you can use this website to find your local FAA office:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/

3. The sites below provide complete request procedures for military and non-military requestors, and are the sole locations to determine if a public event has been deemed eligible for aerial support. An event eligible for support may not necessarily be supported, as flying units must carefully balance their real-world operations and training requirements with public affairs aviation event requests. It is the responsibility of the requester to coordinate with an aviation unit. You do not need approval to begin your coordination but you will need it before the unit can attend the event.

Events approved eligible for aerial support will appear on the following websites that you begin the approval process:

Army- http://www4.army.mil/aerial/

Air Force- http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/PublicSite/Index.cfm?fwa=home

Army Requests

Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

1500 Army Pentagon

Washington, DC 20310-1500

Fax

Air Force Requests

1690 AF Pentagon

Washington, DC 20330-1690

Fax(703)693-9601

Requests for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation) shall be submitted by DD Form 2536 at least 60-45 days in advance for Color/Honor Guards, Bands and Personnel or Military Equipment Static Display etc. to be turned into California National Guard Public Affairs Office.

Point of Contact for California National Guard Community Relations is COL Terry Knight, or Ms. Jessica Cooper. Both can be reached at telephone number 916-854-3304. Please send completed forms to the Public Affairs Office, Joint Forces Headquarters by fax to 916-854-3630.

If the California National Guard is unable to support your event, you will be notified as soon as possible. Again, thank you for your interest in the California Army National Guard and we look forward to hearing from you.

Signed,

TERRY KNIGHT

COL, CSMR

Chief, Community Relation

(703) 695-6253

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Yes, We Can Do It! We Will Do It! At AB PA!

2009-01-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

Now, as then, we are determined, vigilant. Many of us (yours truly right with you!) are suffering through the worst depression in 70+ years. But we remain resolute. And tough.

No matter how large or difficult the job, the project we are tasked with is #1. Our customer's vision and seeing it become reality is omnipotent.

My name is Abbe Buck, and I helm HVCG and Abbe Buck Public Affairs, and yes, WE CAN DO IT!

(Please contact me for my MISSION STATEMENT at abbebuckpr@aol.com)

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