Savvy and socially-aware consumers are prompting organizations to reexamine the causes they support and to consider the impact of sponsorships upon their brands. When traditional, iconic events and causes become controversial, how do smart organizations respond and adapt? Join Alaska PR professionals Katie Bender and Heather Handyside as they discuss the risks and benefits of sponsoring the Last Great Race.
Presented by:
Katie Bender, Northrim Bank, Community & Public Relations Manager
Katie has been with Northrim Bank since 2013 and worked in the non-profit sector for 8 years prior to joining the bank. As the Community & Public Relations Manager, she manages the public relations, community relations and contributions plans for the bank. Katie also writes communications for product launches and other significant customer announcements. She writes speeches, articles, and presentations for the executive staff and creates and coordinates content for Northrim’s blog, Alaskanomics.com. Prior to joining Northrim Bank, Katie worked for the American Red Cross of Alaska and was a member of the National Advanced Public Affairs team where she provided media support for national disasters, including Hurricane Sandy and the widespread wildfires in Montana in 2012.
Heather Handyside, GCI, Vice President, Corporate Communications
As vice president of corporate communications and GCI’s lead spokesperson, Heather is responsible for finding new and innovative ways to tell GCI’s Alaska-born-and-raised story. Heather and her team lead GCI’s media, community relations, philanthropy, and internal communications projects. Before joining the GCI team, Heather served as press secretary for former U.S. Senator Mark Begich, deputy municipal manager for the Municipality of Anchorage, and as Anchorage’s director of homeland security and emergency management.
Event Information
When: Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 18
Where: The Megan Room (6591 A Street)
Tickets: Here!