What is Civic Outreach?

Civic Outreach is an upscale public relations program, founded in 1975, as a dignified, effective networking vehicle for business and professional people. It is targeted and personal, offering selected sponsors an opportunity to be the sole representative of their business or professional category in welcoming newcomer executives and new business owners to their city.

   Sponsor selection is influenced by the status of the individual in the business or professional community, and the degree of civic involvement the person has demonstrated.

   Civic Outreach is not an advertising or marketing program. Advertising tells people about a product or service, but public relations tells them they may believe the advertising, that you are a good person with whom to do business. Public relations is our job, and we do it well.

   Advertising and marketing programs are designed to reach a large number of potential consumers. As a recent New York Times article pointed out, however, "A consumer is a statistical abstraction. A customer is a human being."

   People do business with people, and Civic Outreach alone offers a one-on-one introduction to newcomers in your marketplace. At our luncheons, sponsors have the opportunity to meet personally with people welcomed in their name.

   A pioneer in recognizing the challenges involved in a career move, Civic Outreach is in its third decade of providing selected Oregon cities with professional welcoming services for incoming business professionals and executives. Our purpose is to make the transition into the area pleasurable for new business leaders, by introducing them to highly reputable, established business leaders who feel this is important as a resource for newcomers.

How do I become a sponsor?

Sponsor selection is influenced by the status in the business community and degree of civic involvement. Sponsors are leaders in their business category and in the community. Contact Linda Van Powell to discuss your involvement with Civic Outreach contact me.