BOSTON, Sept. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The R. Scott Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund (the "Higgins Fund") announced today it will be the 2008-2009 sponsor of the Boston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute's ("NIRI Boston") Knowledge Development Series ("KDS"). KDS is an award-winning, innovative educational program developed by NIRI Boston to provide basic instruction by senior investor relations officers in fundamental aspects of investor relations to practitioners new to the field or those who practice in financial or communications areas adjacent to investor relations.
"We are very excited to take the Higgins Fund in a new direction to provide support and resources to this important program. Scott Higgins, a leader in NIRI Boston, set a powerful example about the tremendous value of continuing education in our field and we are confident that the Fund's sponsorship of the KDS program will serve to further his memory and high standards," commented Jane W. McCahon, chair of the Higgins Fund. "Since the fund was established in 2000, it has provided $27,000 in scholarships to 14 investor relations professionals to increase their individual knowledge of investor relations and more generally, enhance communications among corporations, their shareholders and the financial community."
Bob Joyce, President of the Boston Chapter of NIRI, said, "We are extremely pleased to have the Higgins Fund sponsor NIRI Boston's KDS program. The scholarship has done a great job of advancing the knowledge of investor relations professionals and it aligns with the objectives of the KDS program. We look forward to partnering with the Higgins Fund to add value to members of NIRI Boston."
The first KDS program of the 2008-2009 program year will focus on developing an effective investor relations plan, a key to a successful overall investor relations program. It will take place on October 21, 2008 prior to the NIRI Boston's regular monthly meeting at the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel in Allston, MA. This session will focus on how to create an effective plan, including key components, budgeting and measurement, as well as the necessary tools that support implementation. The program will be taught by Maureen Wolff-Reid, president and partner of Sharon Merrill Associates. Wolff-Reid is a nationally recognized leader in investor relations and corporate communications, with more than 20 years of experience. She is a past chairman of NIRI National, a former board member and an active member in the NIRI Senior Roundtable. Wolff-Reid also is an honorary director and past president of NIRI Boston.
Three additional KDS programs are scheduled in the coming months, covering the topics "Communicating Up," "Targeting New Shareholders" and "Conducting Successful Roadshows."
The Higgins Fund will assume all operating costs for the program, enabling each session to be offered at no cost to IR practitioners who are members of the Boston Chapter of NIRI, and at a nominal fee to non-members. In addition, each presentation will be recorded and archived for future re-use and reference. The Higgins Fund would like to thank Shareholder.com for its assistance and support in this area.
The R. Scott Higgins Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a leader in the investor relations profession who was the 1998-1999 president of the Boston Chapter of NIRI. Scott Higgins understood and embraced both the need for continuing education in IR and the high standards demanded by the profession. With his integrity, commitment, diligence and keen intellect, he was a powerful example to all.
Established in 1970, the Boston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute is one of the largest and oldest chapters of NIRI, a professional association of investor relations practitioners, corporate officers and consultants responsible for strategic communication among corporate management, the investing public and the financial community. The hundreds of members of NIRI Boston represent public companies throughout the Boston area and across New England in all major industrial markets and on all major stock exchanges. For more information about the Boston Chapter of NIRI, please visit www.niriboston.org.
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