Care Facilities That Serve The Most Vulnerable Have Essential Frontline Duties, Long-Term Problems

by Community AwarenessPublic Relations

Care FacilitiesThe coronavirus death toll at long term care facilities – which includes nursing homes, assisted living, and other, related facilities – is currently approaching the tens of thousands, with numbers likely to rise further. New Jersey and New York are among the hardest hit by this devastation. Numbered among these staggering losses have been several high-profile cases involving misconduct and bad actors, and these will taint the entire industry for years. And, as a result, government at all levels has taken action, the media is shining a bright light on misdeeds, and a consumer backlash is certainly coming.

 

Loss of life is not unique to long term care facilities, and the entire healthcare continuum is faced with challenges that include shortages of PPEs, tests, and staff.  Despite all the pain and suffering, the vast majority of frontline workers at long-term care facilities deserve our appreciation, support, and praise.

 

The loss of life – as well as health and safety issues – are the primary concern, but economic viability and reputational issues cannot be ignored.  While many facilities benefit from sound public relations planning and counsel, others have simply dropped the ball. Even those with a plan now find themselves dealing with an unprecedented storm. As boxer Mike Tyson often said, “Everyone has a plan …  until I punch them in the face.”

 

As many understand, the reputation and integrity of the industry will first be defined by its behavior and then by how it communicates. Every facility must accept that it operates with the permission of those it serves, including residents and patients and their families, employees, regulators, other healthcare providers, and a lengthy list of others. Moving forward, every action and behavior must be focused on health and safety and earning and maintaining permission and trust to operate.  In the end, reputation is a simple formula:  EXPECTATION + CREDIBILITY. Organizations must meet or exceed expectations and achieve credibility simply by doing what they say they will do in all facets of the organization, down to the very smallest detail.

 

When it comes to communication, every organization must fortify its antenna to become more skillful at listening, and more attentive to relevant sights, sounds, and sentiments. They must accept and communicate vulnerability and values and give power to their conscience, ethics, and empathy, empowering others to act. They must speak clearly, consistently, and honestly across all platforms – paid, earned, shared, and owned. Communication must be systematic and process-driven, proactive, and reactive, and also reach to all ends of the organization, both internal and external, prioritizing those directly impacted first … but realizing that information also spreads.

 

The loss of life has created a media frenzy, and the industry should anticipate second and even third waves of government, legal, and consumer action, as well as continued dis-informational attacks by the outrage industry. And all of this will negatively impact reputation and the bottom line.  Companies must soon identify and cultivate third-party advocates who can speak on their behalf, quickly knock down misinformation, and employ attitude inoculation or pre-bunking techniques.

 

Like the virus itself, there is no magic cure for reputational issues. But, taking appropriate steps now will ensure your organization’s viability.

 

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BREAKING — STUDY SAYS PEOPLE CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH

by Community AwarenessPersonal InterestPublic Relations

Truth builds TrustIt’s a legendary scene. One famous actor shouts, “I want the truth!” The other snaps back, “You can’t handle the truth!“

 

It’s cinematic genius, and also depicts one of the greatest challenges of communicating during a crisis – including our current public health emergency.  How much truth – and what degree of uncertainty — can the public handle?

 

According to a just-released study from the University of Cambridge, uncertainty about facts can be reported without damaging public trust. These results come at a critical time as leaders, scientists, and professional communicators wrestle with data uncertainty, risk, and disinformation associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Communicators and leaders of various organizations often assume that communicating uncertainty will undermine trust. Now, research has found that uncertainty related to key facts and figures can be communicated in a manner that maintains public trust in information and its source. And this is true even related to contentious issues. Researchers hope the study encourages communicators as well as leaders to be bolder in reporting uncertainty.

 

Study co-author Sander van der Linden, director of the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab, says that “including an indication of its uncertainty provides the public with better information. In an era of fake news that might help foster trust.”

 

As an example, the researchers got the best results when a figure was flagged as an estimate and was accompanied by the numerical range from which it had been derived. For example:“…the unemployment rate rose to an estimated 3.9% (between 3.7%-4.1%).”

 

This study adds to  – and supports — considerable research on the topic of trust and credibility.

 

Given the current landscape, and the support of research, Edward R. Murrow’s words ring more true than ever. “To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.”

 

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SCG Related Information and Services We Offer:

Media Training

Crisis Communications

 

 

 

Michael Cherenson

SCG Advertising & PR EVP, Michael Cherenson Elected as PRSSA 2020-2022 National Professional Adviser

by Public RelationsSCG News

Contacts:             Kurt Praschak / kpraschak@successcomgroup.com / 973-992-7800 x.289

                                  Alexa Cangialosi / acangialosi@successcomgroup.com / 973-992-7800, x172

PRSSA News

Michael Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA, Elected as PRSSA 2020-2022 National Professional Adviser

 

NEW YORK, January 8, 2020 — The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the foremost organization for students interested in the public relations and communications fields, announced today that Michael Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA, has been elected to a two-year term on the National Committee as the 2020–2022 National Professional Adviser.

In his role, Cherenson will counsel fellow members of the National Committee, assist Chapter Professional Advisers and help Chapters discover and connect with Professional Advisers.

Cherenson, chief public relations counselor for SCG Advertising & Public Relations, has 30 years of professional experience spanning many sectors of the public relations industry. The communications veteran has a long tenure of leadership within PRSA, serving as Chair and CEO in 2009. He was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2011. Cherenson is currently a member of the Educational Affairs Committee and co-chair of the College of Fellows’ SAGE Committee. He previously served on the PRSSA National Committee as PRSA Board Liaison during the 2003–2004 term.

“Michael’s extensive experience and involvement in PRSA made him the perfect candidate for this position,” said Nicholas Goebel, PRSSA National President. “We look forward to working with him this upcoming term.”

Outgoing National Professional Adviser Ben Butler, APR, will complete his term on May 31, 2020. PRSSA members and advisers are encouraged to connect with both Butler and Cherenson at the PRSSA 2020 Leadership Assembly taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona, from April 16-19.

About the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. Founded in 1967 by its parent organization, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSSA includes nearly 10,000 student members and advisers, and is active on nearly 375 colleges and university campuses across the U.S. and in Argentina, Columbia, Peru and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.prssa.org.

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Michael Cherenson

Public Relations EVP joins One To World board of directors

by Public RelationsSCG News

Contacts:             Kurt Praschak / kpraschak@successcomgroup.com / 973-992-7800 x.289

                                  Alexa Cangialosi / acangialosi@successcomgroup.com / 973-992-7800, x172

Public Relations EVP joins One To World board of directors

 

Lincoln Park resident and SCG Advertising + Public Relations exec Mike Cherenson

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (October 28, 2019) – Lincoln Park resident and SCG Advertising + Public Relations Executive Vice President Mike Cherenson has joined the One To World board of directors, on which he will support the organization’s ongoing mission of bolstering connections between New York-area communities and international students, including Fulbright scholars.

 

One To World’s core activities include enrichment programs for international students, global education for area schools, and development and peer support for international educators. These are designed to provide a unique opportunity for U.S. residents and international students to interact and engage, in hopes of creating solid, international relationships.

 

“It’s essential to bridge societal barriers, so students can embrace diversity and create connections, regardless of their backgrounds,” Cherenson explains. “I’m honored to have been selected for this role, and I’m eager to support One To World’s mission of intercultural understanding.”

 

As executive vice president with more than three decades of industry experience, Cherenson oversees the public relations activities for SCG’s broad range of clients. The 2009 chair and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Cherenson is a graduate of Ithaca College and holds an advanced certification from the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. He currently is a member of PRSA’s Educational Affairs Committee and serves as a site team member for the group’s CEPR Certification program. He is also a site team member for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), sitting on the organization’s Accreditation Committee.

 

The author of multiple studies focused on reputation, Cherenson is an alumni of The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC), the oldest and most prestigious public liaison program in the Department of Defense, and the only outreach program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense.

 

NOTE: A digital portrait of Mike Cherenson is available here.

 

About One to World 

One To World engages the almost 100,000 international students studying in the New York-area (including over 800 Fulbright grantees) through programs that create understanding and build positive relationships between area residents and these unofficial ambassadors from around the world. The programs provide a unique opportunity for U.S. residents and international students to engage on an intimate level; having dinner inside local homes, sharing culture and experiences in the classroom, and volunteering their time together through community service projects.

Additional information is available online at www.onetoworld.org or by calling 212-431-1195.

 

About SCG Advertising + Public Relations

Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in advertising, marketing, public relations, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.

Additional information is available at www.successcomgroup.com, as well as on Facebook  and Twitter.

 

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one to world board of directors

Public Relations: On the Front Lines of Battling False Information

by AdvertisingPublic Relations

public relationsAs the antenna, conscience, and voice of the organization, the public relations profession is on the front lines of identifying and dealing with information warfare.  While several business and communication disciplines — including public relations — help build and drive brands, reputation, and sales, public relations stands alone in the broader effort of building mutually beneficial relationships, connecting people and ideas, and providing a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate.  The currency of public relations is trust and evidence is clear that disinformation undermines trust, erodes communication channels, and significantly disrupts our democracy, economy, workplaces, and communities – basically, our entire way of life.

Information Warfare comes in several forms

  • Mis-information. False information – but not created with negative intent.
  • Dis-information. False information, specifically created to harm a person, social group, organization, or country.
  • Mal-information. Information based on reality … but used to inflict harm on a person, organization, or country.

Information Warfare is a significant threat

According to the Institute for Public Relations’ 2019 Disinformation in Society Report, 63 percent of Americans view disinformation as a “major” problem in society, on par with gun violence (63%), and terrorism (66%). More than half (51%) of respondents said they encounter disinformation at least once per day, while 78% said they see it once each week.

 

The 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that 73% of those surveyed worry that misinformation, fake news, and digital bots are modern weapons of propaganda.

 

A study by three MIT scholars found that false news spreads more rapidly on the social network Twitter than does real news. False news stories are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories and it takes true stories about six times as long to reach 1,500 people as it does for false stories to reach the same number.

 

In addition, repetition of misinformation increased perceptions of its accuracy, per a study from McMaster University.

 

Information Warfare has an impact

While Russian disinformation campaigns in the U.S. garner tremendous attention, a 2019 University of Oxford study found evidence of organized social media manipulation campaigns in 70 countries, up from 48 countries in 2018, and 28 countries in 2017.  “Around the world, government actors are using social media to manufacture consensus, automate suppression, and undermine trust in the liberal international order,” the report said.

 

Beyond political or governmental entities, organizations and individuals are often the victims and perpetrators.

 

In 2017, anonymous online messages spread a false campaign against Starbucks, by posting bogus tweets to promote “Dreamer Day,” on which the company was supposedly giving free drinks to undocumented immigrants. And, Coca-Cola was forced to address false reports about a Dasani bottled water recall caused by “clear parasites.”

 

In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission “filed securities fraud charges against a Scottish trader whose false tweets caused sharp drops in the stock prices of two companies.”  A Canadian couple used the Web and social media to inflate the stock of companies with small capitalizations and then pocketed $2.4 million by selling shares of those companies.  In India, 10 people were killed by lynch mobs after false information about child abduction gangs spread rapidly on WhatsApp.

 

In Nigeria, police say false information and incendiary images on Facebook have contributed to more than a dozen recent killings in an area plagued by ethnic violence.

 

How do Deal with Disinformation

  • Real-time listening and monitoring is essential, as is quickly identifying false or misleading information that impacts an organization.
  • Invest heavily in trust, relationships, and a good-will reservoir so your organization can withstand an attack.
  • Make ethics a priority and keep your house in order
  • Prepare and have plans in place to address false or misleading information.
  • Identify and cultivate third-party advocates who can speak on your behalf.
  • Quickly knock down misinformation.

 

Michael Cherenson, ARP, Fellow PRSA

Executive Vice President, SCG Advertising + Public Relations

Parsippany, NJ

Bio / Photo

 

Kelsey O’Connor

NJ student-athlete receives scholarship from Parsippany communications firm

by Community AwarenessPublic RelationsSCG News
Kelsey O’Connor
NJSIAA Executive Director Larry White and Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor

Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor receives NJSIAA scholarship sponsored by SCG Advertising + Public Relations

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (August 15, 2019) —  Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor was recently awarded an NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) scholarship sponsored by SCG Advertising + Public Relations.

 

On an annual basis, SCG recognizes a high school senior who demonstrates excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom, with a $500 scholarship award. The award is presented at the annual NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Luncheon.

 

O’Connor, who played field hockey and lacrosse, will use her scholarship to supplement her educational costs at Duquesne University, where she will study speech pathology.

 

At the 26th annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon, which was attended by more than 1,400 people, student-athletes were designated by their respective schools to receive scholarships. More than 350 New Jersey high school students were recognized at the luncheon and nearly $200,000 in scholarships was awarded.

A digital photo of NJSIAA Executive Director Larry White (left) and Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor is available here.  

 

TAPinto covered the SCG/NJSIAA press release.

 

About the NJSIAA 

NJSIAA logo Est 1918

Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 436 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, and volleyball. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.

 

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Mike Cherenson

12 Things Everyone Can Learn From Our Military

by Community AwarenessPersonal InterestPublic Relations

Our militaryLessons from a week-long experience, featuring the Secretary of Defense, some generals and admirals, and scores of young men and women in uniform

 

In March, I was selected to participate in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC), the oldest and most prestigious U.S. Department of Defense public liaison program. As one of 36 JCOC participants, I spent seven days, from June 10-16, 2018, at military installations throughout the southeast, engaging with senior military officials and U.S. service members.  In addition to participating in tactical training exercises, our group was provided top-level briefings that gave us a deeper understanding of the roles and

mission of the U.S. Armed Forces, with emphasis on skills, capabilities, and the equipment employed in defense of our nation.

 

The experience was life-changing.

 

OUR JOURNEY

My journey began with a deep respect for all who’ve served – including my father and several uncles – but also an unease about war, particularly as a first option.

 

JCOC kicked off at the Pentagon with an executive breakfast featuring top commanders and senior leaders, followed by a question-and-answer session with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. We then traveled to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, SC; Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, SC;  the 23d Air Wing, Moody AFB, GA; U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC; and Norfolk Naval Station/Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Norfolk, VA.  

 

 

I shared my journey with top-notch, civilian leaders from both the public and private sectors – a veritable “Who’s Who” of those heading some of our nation’s largest, best-known, or impactful organizations. We not only shared a path, we also helped each other broaden our perspectives.

As a tiny sampling of some things I saw and did, at Fort Bragg we spent the day with U.S. Army Special Operations and took part in a simulated hostage situation.  At the conclusion of the day we were “rescued” from a rooftop by the Army Rangers who “took down” a small town – with bombs, bullets, dogs, helicopters, and sharpshooters – and ushered us to safety on Chinook helicopters. From there, we were taken to a dormant airfield, where we ventured into the woods, dined on road-kill prepared by the Army’s top survival specialists, and then celebrated the Army’s 243rd birthday with the Green Berets singing the Army song and eating cake cut by swords. And that was just one of seven days.

I began the week having never fired a gun – and before it ended, I’d been on a target range with an M-16, M-4, SR-26, M2010, M110, and a Glock handgun. Each of these weapons feature tremendous power, which they, in turn, convey to all who use them.  My overall experience, both with the weapons and those who regularly use them – served to reinforce my long-held belief that with power comes responsibility and a duty to practice restraint. I was pleased to learn this perspective is shared by those servicemen and women I met during my participation in the JCOC program.

IN AWE OF OUR MILITARY

Beyond the bombs and bullets, ships and jets, there were the people – the men and women of the armed forces, many of whom are younger than 20 – who are the essence of the U.S. military. Beyond bravery and service were core values common to all – loyalty, duty, respect, integrity, and honor.  Beyond the uniforms and crisp salutes was a resolute professionalism, academic rigor, leadership development, and relentless drive towards improvement.  I was in awe of the military might I saw displayed, and humbled by the sacrifice of others.  As much as I learned about our Armed Forces, I learned even more about our society and humanity.

 

KEY TAKEWAYS

There’s a great deal that 99 percent of us can learn from the less than one percent of all Americans currently serving in the military (of note, 70 percent of eligible Americans cannot serve, due to poor health/fitness, addiction, a criminal record, or related issues).* Here are several key items:

 

  1. Develop, articulate, and live your core values. Stand for something bigger than yourself.
  2. Commit yourself to life-long learning, re-tooling, and re-training. Constantly and rigorously assess and evaluate.
  3. Life is filled with important assignments – each is much like a mission. Have a clear objective and communicate it widely, up and down the literal or figurative chain of command.
  4. No person or organization is an island unto itself. Appreciate and understand your responsibilities, and be ready to learn from others.
  5. Have a Plan B and a Plan C at the ready … and be prepared to use them if a situation evolves.
  6. Respect yourself and others; fill your personal foxhole with those you trust.
  7. Take care of your body, mind, and soul.*
  8. Stress is natural and inevitable – learn to work with it.
  9. Discipline is far more than just a loud voice. It’s about commitment to training, teamwork, and others.
  10. Everyone can be a leader, no matter what their rank or title.
  11. Always give yourself and others a second chance.
  12. Put the needs of those under your command or direction ahead of your own.

 

SUMMARY

We rarely saw service personnel wearing their military finest — most were typically clad in camouflage-style uniforms. This style is certainly more functional and comfortable, and the ultimate aim is to blend into the environment.  Yet the more we saw of the men and women representing the various branches of our military, even in their camo garb, the less they blended in and the more they stood out for the heroes they are.

 

While we may not all agree about certain policies or missions, my hope is that we stand together in respecting those who stand ready to defend our country.

Check out the story featured on ROI-NJ.COM

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Day 1 – Pentagon/U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, SC VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTOS

Day 2 – Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, SC, VIDEO SUMMARY,  PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 3 – 23d Air Wing, Moody AFB, GA, VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 4 – U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC , VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 5 – Norfolk Naval Station/Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Norfolk, VA, VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY

Michael Cherenson

SCG’s EVP Michael Cherenson selected for prestigious U.S. Dept. of Defense program

by Community AwarenessPublic RelationsSCG News

Contact:  Kurt Praschak / 973.992-7800, x.289 / kpraschak@successcomgroup.com

 

Lincoln Park resident selected to participate in prestigious U.S. Department of Defense programMichael Cherenson

 

Michael Cherenson among group chosen to engage with senior military officials, private sector business and community executives for Secretary of Defense’s 2018 Joint Civilian Orientation Conference

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (March 20, 2018) – Lincoln Park, NJ resident Michael Cherenson, executive vice president for Parsippany, NJ-based SCG Advertising + Public Relations, has been selected to participate in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC), the oldest and most prestigious U.S. Department of Defense public liaison program.

 

As a JCOC participant, Cherenson – who has been a public relations professional for nearly three decades – will spend a week during the summer of 2018 at military installations, engaging with senior military officials and U.S. service members.  In addition to participating in tactical training exercises, he will gain a better understanding of the roles and mission of the U.S. Armed Forces, with emphasis on skills, capabilities, and the equipment employed in defense of our nation.

 

Hosted by the Secretary of Defense, the JCOC program is directly linked to the Department of Defense’s new initiative, This Is Your Military.  This initiative strives to educate and accurately inform the American public on the military’s relevance and innovativeness. In addition, the program seeks to introduce Americans to those who currently serve, and to dispel common misperceptions about the military.

 

“I’m honored to have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 JCOC program,” Cherenson said. “Becoming more familiar with our military will help me – and, by extension, our agency – bridge the military-civilian divide, and also share a broader understanding of our nation’s defense policies from the perspective of key military opinion leaders.”

 

Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board and PRSA, Cherenson is a former (2009) national PRSA chair and a member of that organization’s prestigious College of Fellows. The author of three studies on the impact of reputation, his expertise extends to all disciplines of public relations, including corporate, marketing, internal and crisis communication, government relations, event management, and interactive public relations. He serves as chief public relations counselor and strategist for SCG Advertising + Public Relations, and oversees all public relations activities for the firms’ diverse clientele.

 

Currently a member of PRSA’s Educational Affairs Committee, Cherenson serves as a site team member for that group’s CEPR Certification program. He also serves on the Accrediting Committee and as a site team member for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). A graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, Cherenson attended the prestigious Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at George Washington University, Washington, DC.

 

About SCG Advertising + Public Relations

Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in advertising, marketing, public relations, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.  Additional information is available at www.successcomgroup.com, as well as on Facebook, and Twitter.

 

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