Month: November 2020

Are You Still Watching? – OWC’s Guide to Streaming Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2020 by - eNewsletter

Streaming entertainment choices are the hot topic around the Zoom office virtual watercooler, and isolated as we are, we’re all still in this together. In fact, sharing of favorites brings employees and bosses together, reconnects across the void and reminds us what we have in common. Or not!

Here’s what the OWC staff will be watching over their turkey dinners and family non-reunions this Thanksgiving. Bon appétit!

My Octopus Teacher (Netflix)

I’ve streamed a LOT since the pandemic began, but one of my favorites has to be “My Octopus Teacher.” As a California native, I was already predisposed to love the ocean, and this film reminded me of all the reasons. The cinematography highlighted the beauty of the sea and captured how this vast part of our planet is really a world-within-a-world. Above all, the big takeaway “that you are a part of this place, not a visitor” is a reminder that the world would be a kinder, better place if we take the time to see that all life is connected. – Trish McCall

The Crown (Netflix)

Historical accuracy be damned, I’m a sucker for a good period piece. I was looking forward to the fourth season of Netflix’s “The Crown” after such a bleak year. An impeccable production spotlights the history, the scandal and the politics of the royal family and Britain in the 1980’s. This season introduces the enthralling performances of Emma Corrin as Diana, Princess of Wales and Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. You might find yourself Googling what actually happened, but I suggest you save your deep-dive searching for the end. – Paulo Acuña

The Mandalorian (Disney+)

I’ve been a huge Star Wars fan ever since I was a kid and collected all the action figures growing up. The latest Star Wars installation, “The Mandalorian,” doesn’t disappoint. It is a captivating saga that is set about five years after “Return of the Jedi” but before the newest trilogy that focuses on the New Order. It is a fun (think baby Yoda!) and nostalgic adventure (Boba Fett even makes an appearance) that has my entire family hooked! It is the Way. – Wes Robinson

The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)

It is incredibly engaging with no big names in the cast, but just brilliant performances, starting with Anya Taylor-Joy as fictional chess prodigy and savant Beth Harmon. I loved the fashion, the passion and the thought of a take-no-prisoners woman chess master—why not? Watch it with the kids. It has more power to inspire than any video game. – Tracy Williams

The Sopranos (HBO Max)

When COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were in full effect at the beginning of the year, I wanted to start a TV show that I’d always heard of but never took the time to sit down and watch. I was only seven years old when “The Sopranos” debuted, so although I knew what it was as I was growing up, my parents weren’t going to let me watch it during the time it was airing. This weekend, I will be starting the fourth season. Now I understand why people say this was one of the best shows of all time! – Sam Short

Trust (Hulu)

This miniseries was released in 2018 but I just discovered it. It’s the story of J. Paul Getty III’s kidnapping (skip the recent movie). There are some amazing performances, starting with Donald Sutherland’s J. Paul Getty portrayal, Hilary Swank as young Paul’s mother and a particularly great performance by Brendan Fraser. As an added bonus, much of it is filmed in Italy which is so beautiful, it made me wonder why I don’t live there. – Phyllis Wade

Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving,
Tracy

Cloudbreak Health speaks with Los Angeles Business Journal on acquisition by SPAC

Posted on November 25, 2020 by - Client News

El Segundo telehealth provider Cloudbreak Health has agreed to be acquired by a Palo Alto special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, and will join a family of digital health companies run by Delray Beach, Fla.-based UpHealth Holdings Inc. early next year, the companies announced Nov. 23.

“The pandemic actually pointed up the need for telehealth,” said Cloudbreak Health CEO and co-founder Jamey Edwards. “We want to be a company that provides digital health infrastructure. Now we can do that on a global scale.”

Read the full article: Telehealth Provider Cloudbreak to Be Acquired by SPAC (Los Angeles Business Journal)

Olmstead Williams Communications Wins Two Public Relations Awards

Posted on November 18, 2020 by - OWC News

Olmstead Williams Communications (OWC), a growing reputation management and public relations agency, today announced its wins for two top-tier industry awards programs. The agency was named as the “On a Shoestring Campaign” winner for PRNews’ 2020 Platinum PR Awards and the “Pro Bono Program” winner for the Public Relations Society of America’s Los Angeles Chapter’s (PRSA-LA) 2020 PRism Awards. Both wins spotlighted the agency’s work with renowned local artist and social justice advocate Ed Massey and his recent installation, “In the Image.”

“It is a privilege to be recognized for our work to spotlight the everyday homeless issues affecting Los Angeles,” says Tracy Williams, OWC CEO and founder. “There are close to 70,000 homeless in Los Angeles, up 12 percent over last year. These men, women and children should be seen, not ignored. Massey’s ‘In the Image’ speaks to their presence and our duty as citizens to help, give and care. There’s much to be done.”

Read the full article: Olmstead Williams Communications Wins Two Public Relations Awards

Home Health Care News spoke with 24 Hour Home Care on their recent acquisition

Posted on November 3, 2020 by - Client News

In an effort to bolster its at-home care offerings in the San Diego market, 24 Hour Home Care has acquired Grace Care Management, another home care agency located in the area.

“[Grace Care Management] has been in the San Diego area for nearly 20 years, so they’re really a staple of the community,” Andy Matthews, the VP of business development for 24 Hour Home Care, told Home Health Care News. “It made a lot of sense for us from that standpoint.”

Read the full article: 24 Hour Home Care Acquires Grace Care Management, ‘Actively’ Searching for More M&A Opportunities (Home Health Care News)

KCRW spoke with Esalen Institute on election stress and how some people are tuning out

Posted on November 3, 2020 by - Client News

There’s no cell service at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, a retreat center on the cliffs of the Central Coast where you can partake in guided meditation, practice yoga, and bathe in hot springs.

“It’s an amazingly unique experience for people to have a little bit of a digital detox and really reconnect, reconnect to self, reconnect to each other, where we may have become numb,” says Esalen CEO Terry Gilbey.

This week, the institute is completely booked, and Gilbey expects it to stay that way for months, as the aftermath of the 2020 election wreaks havoc on our mental health and people yearn for peace of mind.

Read the full article: As election 2020 stirs up stress, anxiety and anger, some people are tuning out entirely (KCRW)

San Francisco Chronicle covered the Esalen Institute going digital during coronavirus.

Posted on November 2, 2020 by - Client News

The Esalen Institute spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle on the changes they had to endure due to COVID-19. The famous countercultural institution, founded in 1962, has served as a bastion of free thought and alternative living, drawing famous writers, tech moguls and influencers to its remote campus in Big Sur for decades. Its workshops span the metaphysical and spiritual, lending the center an air of bohemian transcendentalism. But at its core, it’s been a place where, traditionally, curious people get together and talk.

Read the full article: At Esalen, famous Big Sur retreat center, hands-on healing goes digital during coronavirus (San Francisco Chronicle)

 

 

How 2020 Changed PR. Business Leaders, Take Note. | eNews from OWC

Posted on November 2, 2020 by - eNewsletter

USC’s compilation of essays from professionals and academics in this month’s release of its annual “Relevance Report” predicts future industry trends in media, technology and society. What is clear coming out of this time is that brands must be mindful of the new normal in communications. The best brands are using their communications as a tool to educate, inform and maintain connectivity that everyone can use, especially right now.

Here are the key findings:

Pressure Grows for CEOs to Take a Stand. More businesses are staying relevant by speaking out on national issues in the belief that saying something is better than saying nothing. There is a risk of alienation because studies show that 57% of Americans reported that they could not have a respectful conversation with someone they disagree with. Even so, leaders choose to step up to take positions on public policy that align with their brand or their personal convictions, rejecting past advice to keep silent on societal issues. The benefit is proof to their own teams and customers that they listen, engage and are aware of the issues confronting everyone.

Beware of Coding in Language. 2020 has taught us that language is coded with gender, race and politics, so while intentions might be good, words and phrases can have unintended meaning.

Social Media Mobilization. With COVID-19, quarantine, protests and political warfare, people rely on social media and daily political press conferences to keep up with and respond to what is happening globally. Media professionals must embrace social media platforms’ power to listen and encourage communities to create change. TikTok and Instagram have quickly become popular platforms for young people to make their voices heard. People are mobilizing by using technology to raise awareness and call for change.

Online Engagement Builds Community. The relevance report notes that “instead of just bringing people to our content, we need to think about how we can bring people together through it.” The social and political climate now demands company leaders be more creative in communicating through new channels beyond the standard company email. Setting up avenues like hosting virtual events or beginning a podcast series for audiences to engage with your company on social issues will make a difference in audiences’ eyes.

Traditional Media Wins Back the Spotlight. As election day gets closer and Americans fill out their ballots, we can start to look back on what the world was like four years ago. In 2016, voters didn’t trust American media to report on all the news that they needed to know and looked to blogs and social media for the truth. But unsourced media took a reputational hit this year, whereas traditional media such as The Wall Street Journal have regained credibility. As the media reassert themselves as gatekeepers, we need to continue judging veracity on research, science and data and recognize compromised incentives to deceive.

If 2020 has shown us anything, it is that we can adapt, though we must incorporate new tactics to build stronger connections. The “new normal” of 2021 has already arrived, and OWC is here to guide you through it.

Sincerely,

Tracy

 

NewDay USA talks doubling revenue and serving over 20k veterans with National Mortgage Professional

Posted on November 2, 2020 by - Client News

NewDay USA revealed that it will surpass its 2020 estimates, more than doubling its revenue to over $300 million this year. This marks a significant increase from 2019’s revenue of $152 million.

“This has been a challenging time for most Americans, and homeownership has never been more important to the financial well-being of veterans and service members,” said Rob Posner, founder and CEO of NewDay USA. “No matter what the challenge, NewDay has always stuck to its core principles: hiring teammates with integrity; investing in good times and bad; and fostering a culture of service.”

Read the full article: NewDay On Track To More Than Double Revenue In 2020, Serving Over 20K Veterans (National Mortgage Professional)