Scholarships for IABC Leadership Institute in Florida, USA February 17th 2009

Florida was the destination for the recipients of two international scholarships recently awarded by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).  Jill Short, President of IABC South Island and Communication Strategist at Strategic Solutions International Ltd, and Natalie Lombe, Vice President of Professional Development and Director of Karmel Consulting Ltd, attended the Association’s annual Leadership Institute.

“This was a real honour to be given the opportunity to represent the South Island, and New Zealand at an international level”, said Jill Short. Held in Orlando from 5-7 February, the event attracted 220 business communicators from around the world to discuss and share leadership strategies, research findings and practice methods. “In the midst of the global economic turmoil, businesses are making decisions that have severe consequences for the people they most need”, said Jill Short.  “Tangible, measurable communication becomes a very real asset for businesses.  If companies promote effective ways of engaging their people, good relationships and reputation can be preserved”, she said.  New Zealand now has three chapters of IABC:  Wellington, South Island and most recently Auckland.  The organisation includes business executives and practitioners from across many disciplines. “IABC is leading the way internationally in communication research and best practice, and we are delighted with the growth we are experiencing in New Zealand”, said Ms Short.  “This is helped by superb international networks and quality of resources”, she said.

IABC’s Chief Executive Julie Freeman, presents delegates Jill Short (IABC South Island), Shona Brown (President, IABC Wellington) and Natalie Lombe (IABC South Island) a certificate for the IABC Auckland chapter, marking its establishment. Photo credit:  Salvo Photography