For Immediate Release
Monday, December 8, 2008

Contact:
Ed Barks
(540) 955-0600
Click here to send an e-mail.

Economic CARE Addresses Challenging Times;
Budget Assistance Program Aids Conferences and Meetings

Effective immediately, Barks Communications has activated its Economic CARE (Conference Attendance Rescue Engine) program, an effort designed to aid clients that rely on the speaking expertise of company President Ed Barks.

“The Economic CARE program is a direct and decisive response to the challenging situations some of our corporate and association clients now confront as they plan conferences and meetings,” Barks explained. “This is their hour of need, and I want to help as best I can.”

Economic CARE consists of four main elements. First, Barks now covers most travel expenses as part of his professional fee for all domestic speaking engagements.

Second, he provides 20 free copies of his book The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations with any full-fee presentation, and offers to autograph and personally inscribe each copy.

Third, Barks contributes a column to the organization’s publication to generate added meeting attendance. In addition, he makes himself available for an interview with the editor for a post-meeting article designed to reinforce learning.

Fourth, he has decided to waive the Meeting Planner Protection Policy fee. Under this program, Barks provides up to two presentations in the event another scheduled presenter fails to appear at a client’s conference.

Barks has committed to extending Economic CARE at least through March 2009. “We are already looking for other ways to help our clients in the event conditions continue to deteriorate,” he added. “In these uncertain times, we will continue to seek out the solutions that best help clients overcome their challenges.”

Economic CARE applies to speeches and lectures delivered by Ed Barks. The company is also developing a separate initiative designed to help its consulting and training clients.

Ed Barks works with corporate and association executives who need a magnetic message and sharp communications skills, and with public affairs and public relations experts who counsel their bosses and clients. The former radio broadcaster is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. As President of Barks Communications since 1997, he has taught more than 3000 business leaders, association executives, government officials, athletes, entertainers, non-profit executives, and public relations staff how to succeed when they deal with the media, deliver presentations, and testify before government officials.