Central Valley Stories: Advertising and Public Relations

Prof. Betsy Hays
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This podcast series takes an in-depth look at the history, trends, changes and challenges of the public relations and advertising industries in California's Central Valley, as well as the illustrious careers of our guests. Industry leaders, veteran practitioners and agency owners are interviewed by Prof. Betsy Hays in the Media, Communications and Journalism Department at Fresno State.

  1. 05/10/2024

    #13 - Leslie Botos, Seasoned PR pro from transportation to energy to blood services to advocacy

    Decades of experience comes with decades of wisdom! Meet our final guest of the season, Leslie Botos. Although Botos is best known for her work with blood banking associations, the communication experience she has accumulated ranges from dealing with airplane crashes to corporate bankruptcies. (And Fun Fact: she's the genius behind the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” blood donor program.) Always finding time to volunteer, Leslie is the current President of the Rotary Club of Fig Garden. Interview conducted on September 27, 2023.

  2. 05/03/2024

    #12 - Jose Elgorriaga, Spanish-language advertising sales trailblazer

    Educating the Valley about the value of Spanish-language advertising for almost 30 years, Jose Elgorriaga is our next podcast guest. A true industry leader in advertising sales, Jose is currently the Regional VP and Director of Sales at Univision Northern California. He is also a giving and supportive community member who serves on multiple Boards, including Valley Children’s Hospital and the Fresno County Office of Education. Interview conducted on October 10, 2023.

  3. 04/26/2024

    #11 - Liz Hudson, Agriculture and Water PR Pro

    Homegrown produce, homegrown PR!  Liz Hudson is the 5th generation owner of Hudson Farms and Accredited PR practitioner with more than 40 years in agriculture public relations. Her AgComm roots are strong in the Central Valley as she led the strategic planning, communications and media relations at the Fresno County Farm Bureau; co-owned an agricultural-focused communications agency; and directed public affairs for the Westlands Water District. Interview conducted on September 28, 2023.

  4. 04/19/2024

    #10 - Blair Looney, 40+ Year Advertising Leader and Hall of Famer

    Advertising legend Blair Looney is a Fresno Advertising Federation Hall of Famer and MCJ Fellow. He was the second-generation owner of Charles Looney Advertising and recently retired from his role as the President and CEO of Better Business Bureau. His community work includes involvement on the boards of the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Fresno, Fresno Zoological Society, and many others. Interview conducted on October 5, 2023.

  5. 04/12/2024

    #9 - Judy Ganulin, Central California PRSA Founder and Owner, Judy Ganulin Public Relations

    During her career Judy Ganulin was a very familiar face in the Central Valley Advertising and Public Relations scene. She had a long, diverse, and amazing track record, and also ran her own full-service public relations agency, Judy Ganulin Public Relations. Judy has served and belonged to many organizations, including the Fresno Advertising Federation and California Women for Agriculture. Most notably, she is a founding member of the Public Relations Roundtable in Fresno and the Central California Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Interview recorded on September 18, 2023.

  6. 04/05/2024

    #8 - Mark Astone, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Marketing

    Meet Mark Astone, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Marketing, whose experience spans the Luxury Resort, Indian Gaming, Travel, Tourism, and Entertainment sectors. As the catalyst behind his company's reMarkable growth (see what we did there?), he invests in the well-being of clientele and employees because he understands that success depends on both of their prosperity.

  7. 03/29/2024

    #7: Jane Olvera Majors - JP Marketing Founder and President

    Jane Olvera Majors founded her award-winning firm, JP Marketing, in 1994 and is a proud Fresno State Alum. She also serves as a Director on the Board of Citizens Business Bank and continues to nurture other small businesses she’s launched or mentored. And, she was honored with the Advertising Federation Silver Award for contributions to her community and her industry.  Interview conducted on September 21, 2023.

  8. 03/22/2024

    #6 - Jill Wagner, Crisis Communicator & Writer Extraordinaire

    Jill Wagner is an accredited APR practitioner by the Public Relations Society of America. She has exceptional crisis communication skills that have made her a trusted authority on the topic and the go-to person for companies seeking guidance. Wagner is an award-winning expert and a trusted advisor for both public organizations and private companies. In addition, she is a supportive and caring mentor to many Fresno State students and young professionals. Interview conducted on October 10, 2023.

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About

This podcast series takes an in-depth look at the history, trends, changes and challenges of the public relations and advertising industries in California's Central Valley, as well as the illustrious careers of our guests. Industry leaders, veteran practitioners and agency owners are interviewed by Prof. Betsy Hays in the Media, Communications and Journalism Department at Fresno State.

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