League of American Communications Professionals

The League of American Communications Professionals LLC (LACP) (http://www.lacp.com) was established in 2001 in order to create a forum within the public relations industry that facilitates discussion of best-in-class practices within the profession while also recognizing those who demonstrate exemplary communications capabilities. As part of this goal, LACP hosts a free monthly newsletter distributed via e-mail and quarterly competitions that target various disciplines within the communications field. Currently, more than 30,000 subscribers receive the monthly newsletter, which shares best practices; provides tools, tips, and resources to professionals; and hosts various forums to discuss industry trends and challenges. The quarterly competitions routinely include hundreds of entries from some of the most recognized organizations throughout the world.

Competition Calendar

Reminders and entry forms can be downloaded at http://www.lacp.com/competition

Narrative Evaluation Services

LACP has a strong reputation for its narrative evaluation services, which focuses on a three-dimensional analysis of communications materials and campaigns. The highlights of the analysis includes:

* A marked-up edition of the materials submitted for review.
* A narrative audio commentary of the judging staff's recommendations.
* A printed executive summary of the staff's perceptions and suggestions.

Details about the service can be found at LACP's web site at http://www.lacp.com/commentary

Best Practices Reports

LACP develops several reports annually that focus on the best practices within certain disciplines. Examples include the annual report best practices report and the employee communications best practices report, both of swhich have become staples within the communications industry. Details about these reports can be found at http://www.lacp.com/catalog

Communications Tools

LACP has developed several tools to benefit professional communicators. These include:

* PR Tools 2006. (http://www.lacp.com/prtools) 25+ PR templates and 60+ "how-to" PR guides on CD.
* 2007 Gift Guide. (http://www.lacp.com/prtools2005/giftguideteaser.htm) 160+ reporter-written story profiles for Christmas/holiday product round-ups.
* LACP Membership. (http://www.lacp.com/membership.htm) See below for details.

Membership

LACP membership is available to communications professionals working at least 20 hours per week. Students and retired PR pros are also eligible. Members gain access to several exclusive tools:

* Online Resource Center. Members tap into to a large library of templates, free for the download in a variety of file formats, that provide guidance and work samples for a wide range of communications activities:

* Gift Guide Database and E-mail Updates. Members gain a major advantage in placing your products and services in 2007 Christmas/holiday gift guides being compiled by magazines, broadcasters, and newspapers around the nation. LACP's 2007 Gift Guide provides solid leads on exactly who is asking for what. Access a continuously updated database of pitch leads online and receive regularly scheduled e-mail updates as well.
* NEW: PR Salary Guide. Members track PR salaries for positions ranging from specialist to director across 300 regions throughout the U.S.
* Access to 50+ Tools and Resources through SPIN. Many subscribers to SPIN, LACP's free newsletter enjoy its real-world, nuts-and-bolts approach to handling the challenges of the communications profession. LACP members have access to all past issues of SPIN, the hands-on newsletter that delivers the inside track on many important tips and developments within the profession.
* Recognition. Members earn the distinction of being a communications professional committed to continuous advancement and participation in the profession. Members receive a membership certificate, membership card, and reference services.
* Competition Discounts. Members simply write their membership number on their entry form, and we deduct $20 from the overall competition fee for each contest entered.
* Evaluation Services Discounts. Members also enjoy a $50 discount on narrative evaluation services.
* Lexicon Online. Members access the comprehensive edition of LACP's Lexicon for the Communications Professional. Adapted from LACP's monthly newsletter.
* PR Tools. Members can discover what tools offered online can help you become more productive, further develop your skill set, and find the information you need.
* Contact LACP. Members receive priority support from LACP.

Participating Organizations

Seven of the 10 largest members of the Fortune 500 have participated in LACP competitions. Those in the Top 100 include:

Exxon Mobil (1) ∙ Wal-Mart (2) ∙ Ford Motor (5) ∙ GE (7) ∙ Citigroup (8) ∙ AIG (9) ∙ IBM (10) ∙ H-P (11) ∙ Bank of America (12) ∙ Home Depot (14) ∙ McKesson (16) ∙ Verizon (18) ∙ Altria (20) ∙ State Farm (22) ∙ P&G (24) ∙ Dell (25) ∙ Boeing (26) ∙ Costco (28) ∙ Pfizer (31) ∙ J&J (32) ∙ MetLife (35) ∙ Wellpoint (38) ∙ AT&T (39) ∙ Time Warner (40) ∙ Lowe’s (42) ∙ United Technologies (43) ∙ Walgreen (45) ∙ Wells Fargo (46) ∙ Intel (49) ∙ Lockheed (52) ∙ Motorola (54) ∙ Caterpillar (55) ∙ Archer Daniels Midland (56) ∙ Allstate (58) ∙ Sprint Nextel (59) ∙ Lehman (62) ∙ Disney (63) ∙ Prudential (64) ∙ Sysco (68) ∙ American Express (69) ∙ DuPont (73) ∙ Johnson Controls (75) ∙ Delphi (77) ∙ Hartford (78) ∙ Tyson Foods (80) ∙ Cisco (83) ∙ HCA (84) ∙ Federated (87) ∙ Coca-Cola (89) ∙ Aetna (91) ∙ MassMutual (92) ∙ Abbott (93) ∙ Comcast (94) ∙ Merck (95) ∙ Raytheon (97) ∙ Nationwide (98) ∙ Washington Mutual (99)

External links

[http://www.lacp.com Official website]