Local Communication Pro Earns Accreditation Designation

March 13, 2007 – Tempe, AZ

Cathy Planchard, Public Relations Group Director of Ariz.-based advertising and public relations firm Mindspace, has earned the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

IABC's accreditation process measures the strategic abilities and technical skills of a communicator, and is a critical step in a communicator's career growth. The process consists of rigorous evaluation that identifies and recognizes the highly qualified, well-rounded communicator through a review of their portfolio of work, and written and oral examinations. Candidates meeting the exacting requirements of the process earn the ABC designation.

Planchard's strength in corporate communications was developed through leadership positions with companies in the travel and tourism, casino, and technology spaces. She brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, working in senior level corporate positions for Hilton, Doubletree Hotels, and Promus Hotel Corporation (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites) and StarCite. She also has significant experience in the high-tech industry, working with WAVO, Motorola, and most recently Scottsdale-based VIACK Corporation as the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. Planchard is active in the Phoenix community, serving as the Communications Vice President for The Junior League of Phoenix. Cathy holds a MBA and recently achieved her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) prior to receiving her ABC.

"Most candidates find that the accreditation process itself is highly valuable," said Eric Bergman, ABC, APR, MC, chair of the IABC accreditation council. "The application, portfolio preparation and examination are an excellent evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses as a strategic communicator, and a 'road map' for future professional development."

To earn the accreditation, Planchard had to demonstrate an understanding of the goals and philosophy of organizational communication; discuss the role of the communicator and communication in modern organizations; present what communication can and cannot do; and display the knowledge to plan, direct, implement and evaluate a broad range of communication programs applying that knowledge to practical, real-life situations.

"We see accreditation as an integral part of IABC's commitment to the education of its members and the development of the profession in general," said IABC president Julie Freeman, ABC, APR.

There are currently 757 accredited business communicators throughout the world. For more information about IABC accreditation, visit www.iabc.com/abc.

About IABC
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Established in 1970, IABC serves more than 14,000 members in 70 countries, 100 chapters and 10,000 organizations. For more information, visit www.iabc.c

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About Mindspace
Mindspace has experienced tremendous growth every year since it hung out its shingle, both in terms of revenues and clients. Extremely strategic, highly creative, and just a little bit left of quirky; Mindspace goes beyond pretty pictures and clever copy to deliver uber-effective, highly integrated solutions to real marketing communications challenges. With B2B and B2C customers on both coasts and in between, this highly decorated, award-winning agency is building a loyal following of clients and employees. For more information, please call 480.941.8497 or e-mail info@mindspace.net.