        NewsFinancial PR Veteran Named Entrepreneur of the YearOverland Park, Kan. (June 25, 2009) – The Kansas City/International Association of Business Communications (KC/IABC) has presented its 2009 “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” to Margaret Blankers. Blankers, founder of MJB Public Relations Group, works primarily with financial institutions, small businesses and non-profit organizations. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of self-employed professionals who inspire others with their skills and spirit. Blankers was honored for her diligence in communicating on behalf of credit unions – in spite of unprecedented challenges in the financial industry. Through her public relations efforts, many credit unions and industry-related organizations maintained positive reputations in their communities, while providing reassurance to their members about the financial future of their organizations. Even with the need for rapid-fire media and other public responses on behalf of clients, Blankers continued to make time to serve on several volunteer boards of directors, both within the industry and in her local community. She also mentored college students pursuing education in communications, public relations or journalism. Blankers says she was both surprised and honored to be recognized with this award. “By providing opportunities for networking and professional training, KC/IABC is a valuable asset to our industry. I greatly value the work of IABC and am delighted to have gained my colleagues’ respect.” With more than 25 years of communications experience, Blankers launched MJB Public Relations Group in 2002. The agency, headquartered in Lenexa, Kan., draws from more 50-plus years of combined staff experience in providing companies with a full-range of communication and PR consulting services. MJB Public Relations Group serves a broad range of national, regional and local clients, including financial institutions located in several states throughout the country, as well as a number of B2B and B2C firms. |