News Release Archive
News Releases Index FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-08-106
April 9, 2008 Acclaimed Communications Strategist to Speak Nationally acclaimed speaker and communications strategist Dr. Pamela Cox-Otto will visit the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons in May for a set of presentations focusing on generation gaps in the workplace and techniques to connect with and teach multi-generational students. Considered an expert in generational communications, Cox-Otto brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on the topic of marketing to multi-generational audiences, blending the latest research in the field with a deep understanding of the needs of her audiences. Known to utilize a wild sense of humor at her presentations, her all-time favorite speaker's review came from a college president who remarked, "If Robin Williams were a woman, he would be Pam." The first of the day's two presentations, "Marketing to a Multi-Generational Audience," will take place Monday, May, 12 from 7:30 o 10:30 a.m. on the PAC main stage. It will focus on how businesses can better survive the rough edges formed between the many generation groups -- including traditionalists, baby boomers, gen-Xers and millennials. Geared toward business-minded individuals, the presentation will include implications for improving not just day-to-day operations in the workplace, but also employee retention and recruitment levels, while strengthening marketing strategies. Following the presentation, a panel of business professionals -- including Jay Thomas, CEO of Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Dr. Nora Hughes, CEO of Hughes Consulting Group, an international organizational development consultant firm -- will be on hand to respond to Cox-Otto's suggestions and take part in a question-and-answer session. "There are at least four recognized generational groups in the United States, and with many global companies there are even more," said Bruce Getzan, COC dean of economic development. "This session is a wonderful opportunity for anyone associated with a business, industry, government, educational or professional organization, who may be dealing with these workplace intergenerational issues on a daily basis." Tickets to attend are $49, with group rates available. The second presentation, "Connecting With and Teaching Today's Multi-Generational Students," will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the PAC. Admission is free. During the presentation, Cox-Otto will look at how generations are shaping the classroom experience while discussing what educators should know about teaching in a multi-generational environment. "This session should be of particular interest to teachers, faculty members, administrators and indeed all those involved in instruction," said Leslie Carr, COC director of professional development. "Educators throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and from other community colleges in the region are all invited to attend." Cox-Otto is the co-founder and CEO of Interact Communications, a communications service agency dedicated to providing media and marketing services to community colleges across the country. Prior to forming Interact Communications, Cox-Otto spent more than 20 years working with community colleges, first in the California community college system and later in the Wisconsin technical college system. Also the author of books on website design for college recruitment and college branding, Cox-Otto is a frequent national keynote speaker. Her Ph.D. is in communications from the University of Minnesota, her masters is in communications from California State University, Long Beach, her BA is from Humboldt State University, and she attended McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. For more information about the presentation "Marketing to a Multi-Generational Audience," or to register to attend, please contact Sheryn Monheim at College of the Canyons ay (661) 363-3521 or by email at sheryn.monheim@canyons.edu. For more information about the presentation "Connecting With and Teaching Today's Multi-Generational Students," or to register to attend, please contact Leslie Carr at College of the Canyons at (661) 362-3100 or by email at leslie.carr@canyons.edu. | 
