Communicators Day Proclaimed in Remembrance of Peter Jennings - Governors of Massachusetts and New York Declare Day to Honor Industry Professionals.

Balboni Communications Group, LLC (BCGroup):

WHO/WHAT: In honor of the one-year anniversary of the passing of ABC-TV World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings and the important role that communicators play on a daily basis, Governor Mitt A. Romey of Massachusetts and Governor George E. Pataki of New York have issued individual proclamations declaring August 7, 2006 (and every August 7th going forward) as "Communicators Day" in their respective states. These declarations represent the initial stages of a campaign to have the day commemorated nationwide.

In addition, the Massachusetts State Senate under the leadership of Senate President Robert E. Travaglini (D-East Boston) and the House of Representatives led by Speaker of the House Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-North End) are sponsoring a joint resolution recognizing the day. New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-43rd District) has also written a letter of support and intends to bring up a resolution in January 2007 when the Senate is back in session.

BACKGROUND: Gina DeRossi has had a vision for Communicators Day since her days at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. DeRossi currently works as executive vice president and general manager of the New York Office for Balboni Communications Group, LLC (BCGroup) and also as an account executive at Latham, N.Y.-based Masto Public Relations, Inc.

While there are days set aside for important professions like nurses, doctors, computer professionals and days as trivial as Rubber Eraser Day and Towel Day, there is no day set aside to honor the substantial role communicators, such as broadcasters, public relations practitioners, press officers, reporters, etc., play in our everyday lives. The BCGroup believes that Peter Jennings was a true communicators-communicator who exemplified the importance of this profession in keeping society informed and the dedication that these individuals demonstrate everyday by reporting on many of the pivotal events that have shaped our lives with clarity and trust. DeRossi feels that by commemorating the anniversary of his passing as Communicators Day, it will keep his memory alive and honor the profession he served so enthusiastically throughout his life.

DeRossi approached Frederick J. Balboni, Jr., president of the BCGroup, and the two worked together with the New York and Massachusetts governments to make this day a reality. The long-term vision is to have the day commemorated in the United States Senate and House of Representatives in 2007, so that it will become a recurring national day in memory of Peter Jennings and in celebration of the work that his many diverse colleagues in the communications industry continue to do on a daily basis.

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