Plank Center Fellowship | Rebecca L. Cooney

Plank Center announces Class of 2014 Educators

Posted on August 3, 2014 Leave a Comment

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama has announced the fifth class for its Fellowship Program for Public Relations Educators. Ten educators will be placed in the offices of sponsoring organizations for two to four weeks this summer. The 2014 fellows and their hosts are: Dr. Alisa Agozzino, Ohio […]

Heading to Milwaukee

Posted on August 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

July 21 through August 2 I will embark on a new professional adventure. This spring I was awarded a fellowship through The Plank Center at the University of Alabama to serve as an Educator Fellow in partnership with Harley Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, WI. I will work directly with Joanne Bishmann, VP Communications and […]

Day 1: Harley headquarters

Posted on August 1, 2014 Leave a Comment

What a joy it is to experience a ‘first day’ when HR paperwork, benefits orientation and IT stress calls aren’t part of it! First off I must note the stellar aesthetics, ambiance, energy and overall operational layout of their corporate offices. The building is the original manufacturing plant – 100+ years old with all the […]

Day 3: Post earnings day in corporate America

Posted on July 29, 2014 Leave a Comment

Today began with a Google Maps debacle. I have no idea how my husband and I got lost in this part of downtown Milwaukee with the sophistication of such technology but one missed turn and several “reroutings” later and I rushed in to my first staff meeting with the VP Communications leadership team. Let me […]

Day 4: Enjoying the ride

Posted on July 26, 2014 Leave a Comment

Today I was exposed to the most important aspect of Harley-Davidson… the ride. The ride is not just the bike or the route – it is about the people and the fire they carry – the community, the experience, the passion. The workday was full with a focus on media and influencer response to the […]

Day 5: One week comes to an end in the land of cheese.

Posted on July 25, 2014 Leave a Comment

My title is silly. I haven’t even really had much cheese here – cheese curds, yes – maybe some cheese on a salad or wrap – but honestly, cheese has not been a major focus during my time here. What has been my focus? Harley-Davidson and all things Harley-Davidson! I am feeling settled in here […]

Day 6: Integrated Systems

Posted on July 22, 2014 Leave a Comment

Today at Harley-Davidson was especially enlightening. I learned first-hand about integrated systems for internal communications – sitting in on a presentation by a consultant and getting a solid overview and run down on the direction H-D is taking with upgrades to their integrated systems of communications. Moving away from an archaic custom program for document […]

Day 7: Cross-team communications and media monitoring

Posted on July 21, 2014 Leave a Comment

Cross-team communications… Aside from learning more about integrated communication systems for internal communications efforts (+ Intranet, communication and file sharing) – I got a glimpse of how Harley-Davidson Motor Co. teams work across the aisle (so to speak) – sharing knowledge and announcements with individuals that have a dotted line connection to the business communications […]

Day 8: The Simulator, Cranky Al’s and huddles

Posted on July 19, 2014 Leave a Comment

My day began today with a ride on the simulator housed in the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. corporate office lobby area. It was quite the experience being at the helm of this massive machine and feeling the rush of being at the controls. After that rush of adrenaline, I wanted to show my thanks and appreciation […]

Day 9: History, content and wisdom

Posted on July 18, 2014 Leave a Comment

My day ended today with a walk down Harley-Davidson’s memory lane – a slow walk through the Harley-Davidson Museum and a chance to see how it all began to where it is today, sample a few bikes (not in motion though!) and gain a much stronger perspective on the rich historical impact the organization has […]