The ‘DIY Marketing’ series will take place once a month, beginning on Feb. 10, 2015, featuring the topic ‘Creating News That Attracts Media Coverage.’

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will launch a new three-part series begin Feb. 10, designed to give its members an edge in getting their message out to the community and potential customers as efficiently as possible.

The first session, “DIY Marketing: Creating News that Attracts Media Coverage,” is designed for small and/or home-based businesses looking for tips on how to write and submit press releases, take newsworthy photos and/or video, and gain some insight into when it may make sense to advertise or retain a public relations professional.

Andrea Obston, president of Andrea Obston Marketing Communications LLC, will moderate the discussion. Panelists are Abigail Albair, executive editor of the West Hartford Press, West Hartford Life, and Valley Press; Ronni Newton, managing editor of We-Ha.com; Carrie Titolo, community relations manager for Joseph Family Markets ShopRites of West Hartford and Canton; and Michelle Bonner, principal of Bonner Consulting Group and former ESPN anchor.

The discussion will include tips on how you can help news professionals “help you,” as well as basic public relations strategies.

The seminar will be held at Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, One Chatfield Dr., West Hartford, from 7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast will be served.

To register, visit www.whchamber.com.

Future sessions will be: “DIY Marketing Making the Most of Your Website and Social Media” on March 10 and “DIY Marketing Mobilizing Print and Online Advertising on a Budget” on April 14.