Category Archives: News

Pressing Issues – March 2

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The Toledo Press Club is hosting its first in-person Pressing Issues event since COVID-19 on Thursday, March 2nd 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at TolHouse at 1447 North Summit Street in Toledo. 

It’s been a process to get these events back in person given COVID-19 restrictions and the world of virtual meetings, but the club’s president Lauren Weppler-Geissler is happy to see it come to fruition. 

Weppler-Geissler said, “It’s exciting to be able to be back in one room able to sit amongst each other and learn how we can improve our careers and workplaces together.” 

Thursday’s event is designed to be a thought-provoking discussion among members, “How to be a stronger LGBTQ+ ally in the media and in the workplace.” 

The expert panel for the event is looking forward to sharing their own personal stories and giving perspectives on workplace cultures. 

The panel consists of mediator Lucas Camuso-Stall, Scot Henshaw, and Amy Brennan. 

The trio will also bring their own insights into how LGBTQ+ communities and issues are being represented both in the media and in our culture today.

In preparation for Thursday’s event, Weppler-Geissler said it’s going to be an event where knowledge will be shared for the betterment of Toledo, “I couldn’t have asked for three better people to lead us in this discussion.” 

Camuso-Stall is the current Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Camuso-Stall has predominately worked in the human services sector, with a background in political campaigning and advocacy communications. Amy Brennan works with Owens Corning and began volunteering and planning events for OUTreach affinity group (ERG). She was appointed co-lead of the group in 2020. Scot Henshaw is the Vice President of Human Resources for the United Way of Greater Toledo. Henshaw is also an active board member of Equality Toledo and Food For Thought Toledo. 

There will be a time in the program for Q and A with all three panelists. 

The event is FREE and open to Press Club members and guests. 

Press Club Partners with PRSA for Jan. 26 “Meet the Press” Event

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Join the Press Club of Toledo and PRSA – Northwest Ohio Chapter for a “Meet the Press” lunch and learn event.

The organizations are partnering to provide a glimpse into the real worlds of both media and public relations. The panel of media representatives and PR professionals will explore the challenges and triumphs they face on a day-to-day basis and share tips for how to work together more effectively.

This joint event will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 in the Fred H. McDonald Community Room of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Main Library, 325 Michigan St. in downtown Toledo.

Attendees are encouraged to get their ticket in advance. Lunch is $10.

Press Club Selects New Leadership

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Lauren Weppler-Geissler, news director at WTOL-TV and WUPW in Toledo, has been selected to serve as president of the Press Club of Toledo.

Lauren Weppler-Geissler

The Board of Directors voted Jan. 18 for Weppler-Geissler to lead the organization. Stephanie Elton, president of Blue Water Communications, will serve as president-elect.

In accepting the role, Weppler-Geissler thanked Candice Harrison, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for SSOE Group, for her strong leadership during the past year.

A broadcast journalism graduate from West Liberty University in Wheeling, W.V., Weppler-Geissler came to WTOL after a stint at WMBF-TV, Channel 32, the NBC affiliate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as a reporter and executive producer of the station’s morning newscasts. She also previously served as the evening anchor of a station in Beckly, W.V.

Blue Water Communications Announces New President

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Cultural public relations firm Blue Water Communications announced a change of leadership in the new year.

On Jan. 1, 2023, Stephanie Elton, a board member with the Toledo Press Club, will assume the role of president of Blue Water after previously serving as the organization’s vice president and director of client services. She will lead the agency’s dedicated team that specializes in strategic communications for museums, architecture and destinations.

Lynnette Werning, APR, SPP, Blue Water’s current president, will continue in her pivotal role as founder, spearheading key projects focused on client service, strategy and new business development.

Stephanie Elton, a board member of the Toledo Press Club, will assume the role of president of Blue Water Communications on Jan. 1, 2023.

“Stephanie is an exceptionally talented public relations expert. From the moment we met 10 years ago, I knew I wanted her to be part of Blue Water’s future,” said Werning. “I wouldn’t make this transition without being 100% certain of the team’s readiness, and with Stephanie at the helm I have full confidence that our clients will be in excellent hands. I can’t wait to see how she reimagines this next chapter for Blue Water.”

“Blue Water has an incredible roster of museum and architecture clients stretching from Hawai‘i to Virginia with inspiring stories to tell,” said Elton. “We’re grateful for the trust they place in us as their communications partner, and I look forward to carrying on the legacy of Blue Water that Lynnette has built with such care.”

Read more from the official announcement from Blue Water Communications:

https://bluewatercommunications.biz/2022/12/blue-water-communications-announces-new-president/

The Juice Celebrates 25 Years On Air

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The Toledo community celebrated 25 years of “The Juice,” WJUC-FM 107.3, in November with a dinner and a program.

The event featured on-air talent from the past along with a toast and video that chronicled 25 years of being the leading source for urban music in the Toledo community.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur took the stage and presented a flag that was flown over the Capitol and gave remarks in recognition of The Juice, which prides itself on being the “People’s Station.”

W. Charles “Charlie Chuck” Welch began his pursuit of owning the station long before it went on air. It was also not an easy road. With his late wife Marjorie Welch by his side, they persevered through years of litigation that included denials and appeals as he worked to establish the station. Welch refused to give up on his dream.

His vision for WJUC was to create a platform that would give the African American community a voice. His responsibility has always been to serve the community and to provide opportunity to those who also want to be part of serving. 

In 1997, The Juice made history by becoming the first African American in the region to build, own, and operate a radio station. 

Charlie Chuck retired from broadcasting six years ago. He was confident that his children, which includes his namesake and Toledo Press Club board member Charles “Charlie Mack” Welch, had learned enough over the years to maintain and nurture his legacy.

Throughout the years, the Welch family has experienced the blood, sweat and tears that kept WJUC going. They believe it is still their duty to continue to be a broadcasting leader to further strengthen the community using their platform.