Beyond The Blip

Much like "the blip," the missing years featured in The Avengers: Endgame by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the world. The Public Relations Student Society of America was no exception, with two-plus years of "virtual" events for students using Zoom to keep the ball rolling on their education, professional development and networking opportunities.

But last month, the UO Chapter of PRSSA boldly scheduled a professional development tour in Seattle, with plans to visit WE Communications (photo above), InkHouse Public Relations, Starbucks and The Fearey Group. Joining the sojourn as the group's professional advisor, we all departed Eugene, and after a long delay caused by an accident on I-5, we arrived in Seattle after a brutal nine-hour drive.

The professional development tour kicked off at WE Communications, formerly known as Waggener/Edstrom and founded in the early 80s. The agency is a global public relations and integrated marketing communications firm that is often associated with its largest client, the Microsoft Corporation. The agency's office in Bellevue is located not far from the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington.

Afterward, we shifted to downtown Seattle and the Pike Place Market near the waterfront, where I pointed out the very first Starbucks to the group. Visiting Seattle when I worked for the Forest Service back in the day, I stumbled upon Starbucks (located in a small shop in the market) and purchased some "market spice" tea and coffee beans. Today, the ubiquitous Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain.

After lunch, the tour ambled down to InkHouse Public Relations, located in Pioneer Square across from the Merchant's Cafe, which claims the title of "Seattle's Oldest Restaurant." InkHouse PR provides media relations, social media, creative services and content marketing. InkHouse Executive VP and Pacific NW General Manager Kate Riley, a UO grad, and her team provided an engaging tour.

On day three, the group toured Starbucks Headquarters thanks to an assist from Corey duBrowa, UO alum and member of the UO SOJC Hall of Achievement. Next up was The Fearey Group, a Seattle agency that focuses on public relations/affairs, digital marketing and crisis communications, in their office on beautiful Lake Union. CEO Aaron Blank even treated students to Duck-themed cupcakes.

After such a long hiatus from out-of-town field trips designed to enhance professional networking opportunities for students, the tour was both refreshing and invigorating. The event provided a much needed shot-in-the-arm for interest and excitement in the University of Oregon Chapter of PRSSA. The chapter, the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, has regained its mojo and there will be much more to come.