EMA's PR Counselors Address Statewide Conference of Economic Development Experts

01.19.2010

ALBANY, NY — Two top public relations experts from Eric Mower and Associates (EMA) will address hundreds of New York State's leading economic development professionals today to share their insight on how to successfully deal with the news media and manage crises.

Sean Casey and Matthew Maguire, Senior Counselors with EMA's Public Relations and Public Affairs group, will speak today at a meeting sponsored by the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), New York's leading association of economic development professionals. Their session is titled: "Creating an effective media relations program for economic development organizations."

Casey and Maguire have a combined 51 years experience in public relations and issue management, and have helped government, private sector, and non-profit clients successfully navigate the print, broadcast and online media world.

At a time when there is more clutter to cut through and the 24-hour news cycle has changed the game forever, the importance of understanding the media landscape has never been greater.

"Working with journalists and bloggers is trickier than ever. Organizations need to understand what reporters are trying to do and how they can benefit from media coverage without getting their heads handed to them," Maguire said.

"Organizations succeed when dealing with the press when they trust their media counselors to help them in the court of public opinion, just like they trust their attorneys in a court of law or their accountants when dealing with the IRS," Casey said.

In their presentation to the economic developers, Maguire and Casey will discuss the need for smart messaging that considers all the community, media and political issues facing a project. They will also discuss the benefits of ongoing media relations programs and the best way to manage communications in a crisis.

Casey has a distinguished career as communications counselor, elected official, political consultant, state legislature aide, media trainer and patient advocate. He also serves as a trusted advisor to a number of senior executives, coordinates crisis communications and communications training projects and works with government-related issues and outreach at the local, state and federal levels.

Maguire has many years experience as a journalist, editor, writing coach, and PR advisor. Very knowledgeable in the business climate statewide, Maguire served as the long-time director of communications for The Business Council of New York State. He is also one of the first bloggers on New York State policy matters as founder and moderator of the widely read KnickerbockerBlog.com

Based in EMA's Albany office, they have served clients throughout the U.S., Spain and France.

The New York State Economic Development Council is the state's leader in driving economic development. The conference will be held from Jan. 19-20, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany.