Friday Roundtable

As more companies look to expand their exports and customer base, understanding how to reach beyond our local area and state is key. The first 2010 PRSA Round Table event will focus on communications programs and the challenge of taking them from a local level to a national or global level. Denny Shields will be talking about the national program and the grassroots efforts that he works on. Ted Davis will be talking about the technology and challenges of setting up communication to international locations. Looking at national and international communications coordination is the theme of this Round Table and should generate great discussion. An assortment of breakfast refreshments will be provided.

The speakers:
Denny Shields, Vice President, Weber Shandwick
Ted Davis, President, Davis Communications Management

Col. (retired) Richard “Denny” Shields joined Weber Shandwick in December 2006 as vice president in the corporate, community and public affairs practice group. Shields brings to his position a long history with the U.S. Armed Services and plays a key leadership role on Weber Shandwick’s U.S. Army account team. In addition, he brings a wide range of skills and experience, including deep knowledge of the Minnesota legislative arena, public affairs, media relations and crisis communications. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Shields was Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard, where he spent 14 years. From 2004 to 2006, he also served as the Assistant to the Adjutant General where he was directly responsible for the Guard's internal and external communications as well as government and community relations. Shields has served as media spokesperson for several statewide emergencies, including the Red River Valley floods of 1997 and the overseas deployment of Guard units. He also managed the Guard’s successful government relations campaign that blocked the closing of the Duluth Air National Guard Base.

Ted Davis, APR, has worked in public relations in Minneapolis/Saint Paul for 25 years. He founded Davis Communications Management in 1998 to provide strategic public affairs council to companies, organizations and individuals across Minnesota. His practice focuses on navigating complex public issues through media and community relations, crisis communications and mobilizing grassroots advocacy. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong commitment to the community. He has served as a crisis media relations volunteer for the American Red Cross and as a public relations advisor to numerous public officials and community organizations. As a frequent guest lecturer and adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications, he has helped young PR practitioners prepare for their careers. He has been a member of PRSA since 1986 serving as a director, National Assembly Delegate and committee member including past service as co-chair of the accreditation committee.