KITCHENER - The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Grand Valley Chapter hosted the “Gift of Communication Symposium” in partnership with WFRE (Waterloo-Wellington Fundraising Professionals), CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners), and VAC (Volunteer Action Centre). The symposium took place at Bingemans in Kitchener and over 70 local representatives from not-for-profit agencies and junior communicators attended.

Experienced IABC Grand Valley members presented social media, communication planning, media relations, and branding sessions. “The feedback from the attendees was excellent. Many appreciated the knowledge shared by our local members. In the end, it was about supporting the people who work in our community, helping them to be more successful in their roles,” said Christina Laughren, President of the IABC Grand Valley Chapter.

The following senior IABC members volunteered their time to present during the symposium: • Ric Ament, ABC, Director of Marketing & Communications, Homewood Health Centre • Harp Arora, MBA, Principal, Sedona Communications • Fran Gregory, MSc, APR, Professor and Coordinator, Public Relations Program, Conestoga College • Christina Laughren, Principal, Laughren Communications Group • Crista Renner, Director of Communications, Juice Inc. • Chris Sellers, Manager, Communications & Marketing, Lutherwood • Rainer Stadus, MJ, ABC, Impact Integrated Communications • Michael Strickland, Assistant Director of Media Relations, University of Waterloo

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Kitchener-Waterloo and area by building community endowment, addressing needs through grant-making, and providing leadership on key community issues.

The International Association of Business Communicators is the premier international knowledge network for professionals engaged in strategic business communication management. Founded in 1970, IABC has more than 16,000 members in over 70 countries. In 2009, the IABC Grand Valley Chapter is celebrating twenty-five years of connecting communicators!