Public relations is not only practiced with news releases and press conferences. More than a century ago, Japan delivered a powerful message of friendship with a gift of cherry trees that today continues to speak to millions of spring-time visitors to Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin.

With 40 events and a world fixed on the annual arrival of the cherry blooms, the non-profit National Cherry Blossom Festival communications team has its hands full all year long. Krystle Fleetwood and Nora Strumpf are about to watch their hard work come to life, starting with a kick-off media event on March 6th. But they still made time to talk with Robert about handling the PR for one of America’s most treasured springtime routines.

Also, Summer reports on three African American PR pioneers who are among those being remembered at the Museum of Public Relations in New York City; Harold Burson recalls covering the Nuremberg war trials in Germany in 1945; the contest for an autographed copy of Burson’s book continues; and Momma Dukes plays the Buzzer Beater (Hint: She’s Jessica’s mother and herself an accomplished PR pro).

Links:

Abrupt end to Trump-Kim summit prompts sighs of relief, questions about what’s next

Why are North and South Korea divided?

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom song from the Show Tease on social media

Amazon: The Business of Persuasion

Buzzer Beater Guest: Donna Cahill

While Nike is being mocked for Zion Williamson’s shoe blowout, don’t expect long-term damage to brand

Why did it take a Lifetime TV series and a hashtag to take down R Kelly?

“Hold the date:” Trump announces July Fourth celebration

Guest: Krystle Fleetwood

Guest: Nora Strumpf

Museum of Public Relations

Inez Kaiser

Ofield Dukes

Moss Kendrix

Nuremberg War Trial radio scripts written by Harold Burson

PR pros must embrace the PESO model