Cobb EMC speaks to University of Georgia PRSSA students

On Wednesday, April 1, 2009, Cobb EMC’s Community Relations Specialist, Kaitlin Tenery spoke to PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) students at the University of Georgia.
Tenery defines her title as being a good corporate citizen and fostering relationships, and promoting good will. Her goal is to tailor to the organization’s personality and community needs. In return, Cobb EMC has the potential to create positive visibility, loyalty, and employee moral.
Begun in 1938 for the Cobb County community, Tenery's company wants to tailor toward a culture of community of service. Corporate sponsorships in the local area are a priority for the company.
“Give Our Schools a Hand” is a particular corporate sponsorship. This is an annual, week-long celebration for Cobb County’s educators, sponsored by the Cobb Chamber.
In addition to this sponsorship, Cobb EMC also sponsored Project 2400. This was also sponsored by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. The project allowed students to take part in a free SAT prep course. Last year, 90 percent of the 510 participating students scored up to 610 points higher on the SAT.
Another corporate sponsorship involvement was called the Dictionary Project with the Cobb Literacy Council. It provided a student with a dictionary to third grade students at participating students. This aided in literacy efforts for the students.
A third sponsorship was the North Metro Technology Fair. Here, students compete in technology disciplines like Robotics and digital video editing.
Cobb EMC places a high standard on their community involvement. Representatives are on two community service boards, the Cobb Literacy Council, and the Cobb Youth Council.
They also take part in the Chamber of Commerce. Cobb EMC is on the Partners in Education Committee and the Annual Membership Campaign.
As a “Partner in Education”, Cobb EMC is promoting special project funding at nine elementary schools in Cobb County. Tenery speaks of the many enjoyable events she has been able to take part in.
Tenery has visited schools on reading days, career days, special programs, school advisory councils, and science fair presentations. These are enjoyable and beneficial days that help build Cobb EMC’s positive relations with the community and promote goodwill.
When Tenery comments on advice to the PRSSA students, she says, “You can always continue to build your network, and learn to take advantage of it.”
Cobb EMC was Tenery’s first job after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2005. She found this job from networking with a friend.
Tenery advises, “Don’t be afraid, be proactive. Take any opportunity and be involved in any way you can. Continue refining your passions and doing what you love to do.”
In Tenery’s conclusion, she recommended the students to get involved in their community. She also related to the students by telling how she herself was a member of PRSSA at the university. Before leaving, she encouraged the students to continue with PRSSA after college.