In which I am very very humble...

As requested, here is my self nomination for the Outstanding Employee Award. I know, I know, it's pretty cheesy to nominate yourself, but come on! It's $1500, don't say you wouldn't do the same. Besides I really am pretty outstanding.

Cain Nominated for 2008 Outstanding Library Staff Award

For Immediate Release

STILLWATER— The OSU Library administration recently revamped the Library’s award structure and unveiled the Outstanding Library Staff Award. Bonnie Ann Cain, one the Library’s most outstanding employees is taking full advantage by self-nominating for the new honor.

“There are so many individuals who come together to make the OSU Library a great institution. It’s really an honor to just be nominated for the Outstanding Staff Award,” said Cain.

Cain’s noteworthy library career began in October 1995 when she joined the OSU Library family as a student in the Circulation Department. Her exceptional work led to an official promotion to Student Assistant II for the Billing/Fines Unit and unofficial promotion to Library Princess.

Upon graduation in May 1999, Cain joined the Library Dean’s Office where she has devoted her career to the promotion of the OSU Library. In 2001, she stepped into the role of Coordinator of Communications and Publications (now Senior Communication Specialist). In this position, Cain has worked consistently to expand the scope of the Library’s publicity efforts.

“I am so fortunate to have a forward thinking leadership team that fosters my creative genius and innovative spirit. We are Edmon Low, 2.0!”

Always on the cutting edge, Cain has incorporated many new media technologies into the Library’s promotions efforts. The Edmon Low Library has its own profile on Facebook; over 900 invitations to a recent collection opening were sent through the social networking site. Social media is even creeping into the Library’s web site. Every online press release offers six different social bookmarking options, and the news site was recently expanded to include an online pressroom.

One of Cain’s inspired projects actually bears her name.

“I hope that long after I’m gone Bonnievision will still be in use. No one may know why it’s called that, but it will be just one of the many legacies I have left the OSU Library,” Cain mused.

Her illustrious career of nearly a decade is bedazzled with accomplishments. Cain has held leadership positions in both the University Staff Association and the Edmon Low Library Staff Association. She now serves on the boards for the Guthrie Public Library, Public Relations of America Oklahoma City Chapter, and the Friends of the OSU Library.

Cain’s work on the Edmon Low Library’s 50^th Anniversary garnered a John Cotton Dana, the second such award for the OSU Library. While juggling her work duties, Cain also managed to complete both a master’s degree in mass communications and the arduous Accreditation in Public Relations.

Cain will humbly tell you, “My APR is one of my greatest accomplishments. It is truly a mark of distinction for me personally as a professional, as well as the institution I represent.”

For more information contact (405) [removed] or email at [removed].

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What is a Duckmaster?

As I mentioned, The Peabody is most definitely all about the ducks. There were duck shaped soaps and butter pats. Ducks on the bath mats and ducks on the shampoo bottles. There was a bar called the Mallard and a gift shop full of duck this and that. The building itself was branded with huge ducks that could be seen from the street or from the air. The elevator floors were tiled with duck mosaics.

And yes, the ducks do actually swim in the fountain, not 20 yard from the entrance to the restaurant.

Ruth, my graphic designer, challenged me to seek out and document the Duck Palace. I did that and one better. I befriended the Duckmaster, Lloyd and he made me Honorary Duckmaster. I was officially proclaimated in front of the audience for the evening duck march, I got my own cane and Lloyd and I marched the ducks!

Check out the photo gallery for the full photo essay: www.johnandbonnie.us.

Evidently, Honorary Duckmaster duties are bestowed on special guests of the Peabody. Oprah, Lou Dobbs, and most Arkansas First Ladies have been Honorary Duckmaster, just to name a few. It's kind of a big deal.

Overall the PRSA Regional Conference in Little Rock was great. I met some great and really interesting folks. I had a blast hanging out with old friends and new.

You can also check me out as Duckmaster on Ed Schipul's Flickr photostream.

The Deal with the Ducks

I'm posting it here, because next week I'm off to cosmopolitan Little Rock, and evidently at the Peabody (where I am staying) they are nuts about these ducks.

The ducks are prominently featured in the hotel's logo, decor, gift catalog, etc.

To set this up, you must understand that the Peabody touts itself as totally fancy-schamcy. A highlight of it's fanciness is a daily "duck march" where the ducks walk a red carpet through the lobby (yes, the lobby!) of the hotel and into the fountain. Get the whole story here: http://www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody_hotels/the_peabody_ducks.cfm.

I am so amused by the whole concept, that I have decided to blog the ducks from the conference. I'm sure you are eagerly awaiting more!

With any luck I will make it to the "duck palace." I'm bringing the camera and will document everything for the amusement of all.