LaVoie Group Initiates Staff Training in Public Relations Regulatory Compliance

Salem, MA, March 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LaVoie Group has extended its commitment in training its healthcare agency staff. The Agency will become the first to certify as an investor relations firm in Public Relations Regulatory Compliance and the first IR/PR firm to certify in Internet Promotion & Social Media Compliance.

The Center for Communication Compliance (CCC) developed the program and administers the training and certification tests, which have been validated by former FDA officials and lawyers. Certification ensures that the LaVoie Group employees are consistently up-to-date on all of the promotional regulations and guidelines that govern the biopharmaceutical industry.

Donna LaVoie, President and CEO recognized the need to make this investment in the LG team, "Understanding and taking a leadership position in regulatory compliance and internet/social media compliance is an essential part of the work that we do for our clients. LaVoie Group has committed to become the true experts in social/digital media and PR regulatory compliance, for both staff development and for the benefit of our clients."

The CCC courses reflect current federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and voluntary industry codes and how they apply to commonly used tactics. For the digital curriculum, this includes the use of social and digital media as marketing tools such as Facebook, Google+, search engine optimization, and unbranded websites. The course also addresses issues awaiting FDA guidance, from the use of links to promoting within space limitations and correcting online misinformation.

"Keeping up with regulatory changes around drug and device promotion is critically important given the intense regulatory climate. Agencies that invest in training and testing become more valued client partners," states CCC president and founder Ilyssa Levins.

About LaVoie Group
LaVoie Group partners with leading life sciences brands to build their companies, attract capital, and reach key stakeholders through integrated communications and marketing. The firm provides strategic communications programs, including investor relations and public relations, strategy and brand positioning to life science and pharmaceutical clients globally.

Our clients are industry leaders in life sciences and pharmaceuticals including Pfizer Inc., Oympus Biotech, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Novadaq, Radius Health, Hydra Biosciences, Hepregen Corporation and Genisphere LLC. LaVoie Group is ranked by as one of the leading independent healthcare PR firms in the U.S.; has been honored by the LACP as "Boutique Agency of the Year" three years in a row, from 2008 to 2010 and, recognized by INC. Magazine in the 500/5000 fastest growing private companies.