LANE PR's Shannon Brewer Riggs Presents at 2009 National Conference on Tobacco or Health

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - June 12, 2009) - Shannon Brewer Riggs of LANE PR will speak at the 2009 National Conference on Tobacco or Health, an annual convention dedicated to helping improve and sustain the effectiveness and reach of tobacco control programs and activities in the U.S. Joined by the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO), Riggs will discuss effective uses of social media for nonprofit campaigns. Her presentation will take place today, Friday, June 12 in Phoenix.

"I'm excited to be part of this year's National Conference on Tobacco or Health and to have the opportunity to help organizations from throughout the country identify effective ways to use traditional and nontraditional media relations to reduce tobacco initiation -- particularly among youth," said Riggs.

In June 2008, LANE PR selected ALAO as its nonprofit partner and supports the organization with complimentary company time and resources. Since the partnership began, LANE PR has generated awareness and support for ALAO, its programs and research through media and community relations. LANE PR's work includes:

--  Collaborating with ALAO to encourage Craigslist and other national
    apartment guide listing services to add a smoke-free search option to
    property listings;
    
--  Generating attention for clean air programs, such as the nonprofit's
    clean diesel campaign;
    
--  Driving participation for ALAO's annual fundraising events, including
    Reach the Summit, Reach the Beach and Reach the Bridge.
    

The National Conference on Tobacco or Health brings together thousands of tobacco control professionals, researchers and professionals of other industries to discuss research findings, the latest evidence on what works in tobacco control and how to apply it, as well as practical ways to improve tobacco control programs and activities.

This past March, Riggs was named PR Week's 2009 Young PR Professional of the Year. Her public health communication experience extends beyond her work with ALAO at LANE PR and back more than 10 years. She has been a member of the board of directors for The National Center for Tobacco Free Kids, the planning board for The National Conference on Tobacco or Health and was an original member and spokesperson for the American Legacy Foundation's "truth" movement. Riggs currently sits on ALAO's board of directors and was a featured presenter at the national American Lung Association's annual strategic conference last spring.

About LANE PR

LANE PR is an independent firm specializing in public relations-driven marketing strategies with offices in New York and Portland, Ore. Founded in 1990 by Wendy Lane, LANE PR provides integrated marketing communications and public relations for a host of industries, including technology, business, consumer and nonprofit clients. The agency has won several awards during its 18 years, including the 2009 PR Week Young PR Professional of the Year, 2008 PRSA Bronze Anvil Award for outstanding public relations tactics and the 2008 Gold Bulldog Award for Excellence in Media Relations. For more information, visit www.lanepr.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Katie Stringer LANE PR 503-546-7877