
Owner, Vander Houwen Public Relations
Greater Seattle Area

Owner, Vander Houwen Public Relations
Greater Seattle Area
For years, media was media. You knew where it had been and you had an idea where it was going. Then along comes the Internet, social media is born and everything changes. Many companies ignored social media for a long time and some still do. At VHPR, we help our clients utilizing social media applications and tools to increase communication and drive business.
Our Social Media Connection for Non-Technical Companies program has helped others step into the realm of social media. We don’t expect everyone to jump in all the way, but you do need to realize it’s a whole new world and take the first step towards the future of communications.
For more information about how we can help you please visit www.vhpr.com
Social Media Planning, Reputation Management, Branding, Employee Communications, Media Relations
(Public Relations and Communications industry)
January 1988 — Present (21 years 11 months)
At VHPR, we help our clients tell their stories to their most important audiences, their customers and employees and the community. We do it in an interesting and fast changing environment, as the social media
(the online commuities where people go to get information, communicate and network with others and share their opinions) revolutionizes everything we do.
We are helping our clients figure out how to navigate in this new world while learning how to reach our critical audiences, on blogs, websites and other new platforms. At the same time, we don't want to miss any traditional opportunities.
Recently, we have successfully placed clients on national programs such as CNBC and the ABC Nightly News, and have also successfuly helped them tell their stories on regional media. We are also working on internal messaging, and helping clients develop and tell more compelling stories to their customers.
(Online Media industry)
2006 — 2008 (2 years )
(Privately Held; Banking industry)
June 1978 — June 1987 (9 years 1 month)
(Privately Held; Newspapers industry)
June 1974 — June 1976 (2 years 1 month)
(Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Newspapers industry)
June 1971 — June 1973 (2 years 1 month)
BA , Journalism
During this program I honed my writing, editing and reporting skills. The skills I learned at the University of Montana gave me a chance to see the world through a reporter’s eyes. I’ve used them every time I representing our clients to radio, television and newspaper reporters.
MA , Communications
One of the great things about this program is that it gave me a greater understanding of the types of issues faced by our clients. This is something that I’ve used almost every day since I graduated.
I’m proud of the work I did in this program, including my master’s thesis. In it, I analyzed the elements needed for a resurgence in downtown Ballard. I’m happy to say that I got it right, and that I was about 20 years premature in predicting the resurgence.
BA , Economics
This was my first step outside the field of journalism. In this program I learned about the micro economic factors that impact the business environment. This has helped me in conveying our client’s stories to the media.
Cycling: In 2007 I finished the RAMROD (Ride around Mt Rainier) in One Day. I also completed the 520 climb to the top of the Mt Baker Highway. Yes, I'm pretty proud of that.
American Marketing Association - Puget Sound Chapter
Mercer Island School Board
Communities in Schools of Washington
Award of Merit - PRSA - Puget Sound Chapter - 2006
Totem Award - PRSA
"Communicator of the Year" - IABC