For Immediate Release
September 12, 1997

Barks Communications Debuts; Firm Specializes in Media, Speech, Testimony Training

Communications training that zeroes in on an organization's needs is the hallmark of newly launched Barks Communications. The firm specializes in media, public speaking, and legislative testimony training.

"Our mission is to provide high quality training programs with a personal touch," said the firm's founder, Edward J. Barks. "Our clients are our number one priority. We are committed to enhancing their ability to communicate with the public through various means -- the media, speeches, and legislative and regulatory testimony.

"Working effectively with the media, delivering speeches to key audiences, and reaching opinion leaders are crucial to the success of any organization. Barks Communications can come to the aid of a diverse range of organizations by offering an effective and stimulating training experience," Barks noted.

The training sessions focus on message development and allow participants to take part in realistic simulations of television, radio, and print interviews, speeches, and legislative hearings.

Barks Communications also offers training-related services, such as managing media events, and writing speeches and legislative and regulatory testimony.

The new firm's individualized attention to its clients means that each training workshop is designed exclusively to fit the client's specific needs.

"Too many firms use cookie-cutter approaches to training that fail to put the client's needs first. That approach just doesn't work," Barks emphasized. "Our clients deserve better and they will get better with Barks."

Barks has spent more than a decade in the public relations field in Washington, D.C., working on issues ranging from finance to the environment. Immediately prior to establishing his firm, he served as Communications Manager for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), directing the organization's training, media relations, speech writing, and many of its publications efforts. He also has over 10 years of experience as a radio newscaster and broadcaster.

In order to extend training services to the broadest possible audience, Barks offers motivational speeches to a group's employees or members. His remarks are geared toward helping individuals understand the organization's communications strategy, empowering them to work as a team to help carry forth the organization's message.

Barks Communications can be reached at (540) 955-1038 or via e-mail at ebarks@visuallink.com.