Roundarch, a leader in digital design and implementation, was tapped by NYSTROM Herff Jones Education Division, the leading publisher of maps, globes, atlases, and hands-on social studies programs for students K-12 for over 100 years, to create StrataLogica, a new Web-based technology that brings Nystrom`s age-appropriate content to life in an interactive three-dimensional environment.

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We recently joined Facebook and were feeling pretty smug about our social networking savvy — until we noticed that even strawberries had beaten us to the site! Yup, the berry, as represented by the Oregon Strawberry Commission, is on Facebook to let its friends know when ruby-red Totem, Tillamook and Hood fruit is ripe. The Commission’s page includes the latest strawberry news, such as area strawberry festivals. (There are also recipes, which everyone can enjoy, Oregonian and otherwise.)

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Shannon Brewer Riggs of LANE PR spoke at the 2009 National Conference on Tobacco or Health, an annual convention dedicated to helping improve and sustain the effectiveness and reach of tobacco control programs and activities in the U.S. Joined by the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO), Riggs discussed effective uses of social media for non-profit campaigns.

“I’m excited to have been a part of this year’s National Conference on Tobacco or Health and to have the opportunity to help organizations from throughout the country identify effective ways to use traditional and nontraditional media relations to reduce tobacco initiation – particularly among youth,” said Riggs.

In June 2008, LANE PR selected ALAO as its nonprofit partner and supports the organization with complimentary company time and resources. Since the partnership began, LANE PR has generated awareness and support for ALAO, its programs and research through media and community relations. LANE PR’s work includes:

• Collaborating with ALAO to encourage Craigslist and other national apartment guide listing services to add a smoke-free search option to property listings;

• Generating attention for clean air programs, such as the nonprofit’s clean diesel campaign;

• Driving participation for ALAO’s annual fundraising events, including Reach the Summit, Reach the Beach and Reach the Bridge.

The National Conference on Tobacco or Health brings together thousands of tobacco control professionals, researchers and professionals of other industries to discuss research findings, the latest evidence on what works in tobacco control and how to apply it, as well as practical ways to improve tobacco control programs and activities.

This past March, Riggs was named PR Week’s 2009 Young PR Professional of the Year. Her public health communication experience extends beyond her work with ALAO at LANE PR and back more than 10 years. She has been a member of the board of directors for The National Center for Tobacco Free Kids, the planning board for The National Conference on Tobacco or Health and was an original member and spokesperson for the American Legacy Foundation’s “truth” movement. Riggs currently sits on ALAO’s board of directors and was a featured presenter at the national American Lung Association’s annual strategic conference last spring.

Who doesn’t love a vacation? Pool + good book + frozen cocktail = uninterrupted joy.  I have come to learn that each of us have a different interpretation of a relaxing week off.  For some, it’s what I described above (me included!) For others, it’s setting up camp deep in the woods. For others still, it’s giving back and doing something valuable with their time off.

For fans of the latter, the Heathman Hotel  recently launched a Volunteer Vacation package  chocked full of ways to do good during your time off.  The package includes a three-hour, hands on volunteer experience in Forest Park , the nation’s premier urban park, as well as transportation to and from the park and an educational walking tour immediately following your work session.  When you purchase the package, $100 is donated by the Heathman directly back to FPC. As an added bonus, Forest Park Conservancy  will recognize you for your donation.  The package can be added to any current room rate.  What better way to get in your volunteer hours?