- 25 June, 2006 -

Franchise owner Jeannie Locy of Louisville, Ky., has learned by experience what good public relations can do for her organization. Her natural knack for putting PR to work has delivered her a feature in a local women's magazine, monthly TV spots and a soon-to-be monthly radio spot. Locy was one of eight owners who shared their success stories during round table discussions at the annual meeting. "I feel public relations is a big part of the business," says Locy. "It provides regular reinforcement about our organization. My philosophy is not to focus on anyone medium, but to do as much as possible, wherever possible, because it all reinforces each other." When local Louisville media receive Right at Home's monthly news releases on senior topics, Locy takes it a step further. She follows up by phone and/or email and when possible, puts a local spin on it. "You have to keep pounding the phones," she says. "You can't wait for someone to call you." Locy's PR mix also includes speaking engagements to local Rotary clubs, teaming up with other professionals in the community to provide seminars on long-term care, participation in health fairs, open houses and making personal visits to case mangers at local hospitals. She also created an annual "Volunteer Senior Style" award in which individuals within the community are encouraged to nominate someone who volunteers for seniors in a non-paid position. The award helps raise awareness of the value of helping seniors and gets her company name in the community in a more subtle way.

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