Mission Works Communications Provides Nonprofit Sector With Communications Lift -- Award-winning Husband/Wife Team Refocuses PR Careers Following 9-11, Leave Rat Race to Establish Own Firm and Help Nonprofits at Little or No Cost

The events of 9-11 coupled with an already slowed economy PR industry at a standstill last fall, which lead to the layoff of Helga West from a prominent VP PR job. The circumstance lead to West and her husband to reevaluate priorities and change their lives. They started a PR firm with rates 1/3 of industry standards and a probono program for nonprofits as well - a unique formula that's catching on.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
March 18, 2002
Contact: Helga West, p: 202-550-5678 -or- Randy West, p: 202-258-5417

Mission Works Communications, Inc. Provides Nonprofit Sector With Public Relations, Communications Lift
Award-winning Husband/Wife Team Refocuses PR Careers Following 9-11, Establishing Own Firm that Provides Effective, Low-cost PR Strategies

Washington, DC -- Husband and wife team Randy and Helga West have created Mission Works Communications, Inc., an innovative public relations and management consulting firm designed to help nonprofit organizations work" their missions in new and creative ways.

The founding couple worked with various nonprofit organizations at separate public relations agencies for many years, and now are harnessing their combined professional knowledge and experience to run their own agency and foster positive change. Along with celebrating the launch of the new firm, the couple is also celebrating Helgas second Telly Award for a video she produced about newborn hearing screening for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Mission Works Communications offers boutique-style service with access to national and international resources, all at a fraction of what other agencies charge for comparable services and expertise. Unlike any other firm in the nation, Mission Works Communications offers a monthly program through which nonprofit organizations can apply for 10 hours of pro bono service. And, sticking with the corporate vision to really serve nonprofits, the Web site (www.missionworkscom.com) offers practical communication tools and information.

Nonprofits have typically had a hard time paying PR agency rates, and with pretty tough economic and funding challenges, many nonprofits are pressed to stretch their contributions even farther," said President Helga West. Our firm is designed to be a resource -- for paying and pro bono clients -- so that nonprofits can further their causes through more effective public relations and communications."

Helga and Randy West reevaluated their careers and priorities following September 11, when the attack on America, coupled with an already struggling economy, led to a virtual standstill at many public relations firms. Helga felt the effects directly when she was laid off a month later. Yet, the couple was able to use this circumstance to give rise to an organization that could really help nonprofits help others, while bringing a better quality of life to their own family.

This is a dream-come-true for us," said Executive Vice President Randy West. Through Mission Works Communications, we work for great nonprofits and foster positive, measurable community change. Refocusing our careers to focus on nonprofit work has been rewarding in ways we never could have imagined -- and has brought richness to our lives that cant be found in a wallet."

For more information, please visit Mission Works Communications online at www.missionworkscom.com
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