American Osteopathic Association. Valek & Co. produced compelling speeches, designed a colorful PowerPoint presentation about the association's strategic plan, and contributed to various other projects.
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) -- Chicago Chapter. Valek & Co. implemented a public relations strategy to create awareness of legislation that can provide a comprehensive approach toward controlling MRSA and a broad spectrum of other multi-drug-resistant organisms.
Berwyn Public Health District. Valek & Co. created a lead poisoning prevention program consisting of a team-building event, direct mailings throughout the community, and media placements in local newspapers including the Chicago Tribune.
Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch. Valek & Co. wrote articles for the CINN Foundation Report and other CINN newsletters and publications.
College of American Pathologists. Valek & Co. creates fact sheets and content for mybiopsy.org, a Web site providing information about different types of cancer, and writes podcasts and positioning statements for the college, as well.
Corn Products International. Ray Valek wrote a newsletter series featuring Corn Products' adhesive products.
Dade Behring. Valek & Co. produced trade magazine articles, a series of technology-related award entries, and text for the company's annual report.
Defibtech. Valek & Co. has achieved several million impressions so far in a trade and consumer media relations program for Defibtech, which manufactures and markets automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Among the big hits were articles mentioning Defibtech in Newsweek magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Hartford Courant and a letter from Defibtech's CEO in USA Today.
Deloitte. While on staff at this major CPA firm, Ray Valek communicated the introduction of six industry-related practices -- education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, public sector and real estate. Ray also supervised the production of new business proposals in all service lines.
Forbes magazine. Ray Valek bylined an article, "Transforming Health Care Through Health IT," which appeared in the magazine's December 2010 Investment Guide, and "Reaping the Benefits of Health IT," which appeared in September 2011.
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Ray Valek wrote an article titled, Using Change Leadership to Improve the Revenue Cycle, for the association's Revenue Cycle Strategist newsletter.
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Valek & Co. wrote the opening speech delivered by the HIMSS' board chair at the society's annual conferences in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, as well as several other speeches and scripts for these and other events. More than 25,000 professionals attend the annual conference.
Healthcare Information Services (HIS). Valek & Co. wrote an external newsletter and marketing materials for this provider of management and administrative support services to physicians.
Horace Mann Insurance Companies. Valek & Co. assists in the implementation of media relations programs for this company, which provides insurance and financial services to educators. Prior to starting his company, Ray Valek had marketing communication and sales promotion responsibilities for Horace Mann.
Hudson. Valek & Co. created internal brand-building strategies and tactics for this global firm, which offers staffing, executive search and human capital solutions.
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Valek & Co. developed internal communication bulletins and e-communications for this large medical practice.
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program/Illinois Department of Public Health. While an agency vice president, Ray Valek led the team that developed and implemented communication strategies, key marketing messages and a graphic look for this program. The work resulted in a 12 percent increase in enrollment and a $1 million award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional clinical services to serve the increased enrollment.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities Program (HBWD). Valek & Co. implemented a program to train HBWD program participants to provide peer mentoring to individuals with disabilities wishing to find employment.
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. Valek & Co. assisted in communicating information to the media and other key audiences about the division's services and plans for the future.
Illinois Early Intervention. Valek & Co. created and maintained a Web site summarizing services for families with developmentally challenged children age 0-3.
Illinois HIV Care Connect. Valek & Co. created a communication plan, brand identity, Web site, and collateral materials for this statework network of services for people living with HIV. Valek & Co. also launched the program with a statewide media relations campaign.
Illinois Public Health Association/Illinois Women Against Cervical Cancer. Valek & Co. developed a communication program urging women to "live cancer free" by taking advantage of cervical cancer early detection and prevention interventions. The program elements included a brand name and visual identity, Web site, informational and display materials, launch communication, and public relations.
Illinois School Psychologists Association. Valek & Co. developed "Take A School Mental Health Day" and other aspects of a public relations program designed to increase awareness of the school psychologist's role in the school, the education profession, and the community.
The Joint Commission. Valek & Co, writes Sentinel Event Alerts about safety issues that can lead to patient harm or death and articles about other important issues in health care. Valek & Co. also developed the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions of "Improving America's Hospitals: A Report on Quality and Safety," as well as introductory communication about the new Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety. Norcom Design collaborated as a partner on the quality and safety reports and the patient safety center communication.
Joint Commission Resources (JCR). Valek & Co. produced brochures promoting JCR conferences and publications, in partnership with Norcom Design. We also write articles for JCR's Environment of Care newsletter.
MDI Access/Access Media 3. Valek & Co. gained media coverage for this provider of high-speed Internet services after it implemented Chicago's largest residential high-rise wi-fi system -- a solution linking 656 apartment units in a 43-story building.
MD Practice Solutions. Ray Valek wrote a sales kit for this provider of healthcare information technology.
Midwest Business Group on Health. Valek & Co. worked with this employer coalition on branding and marketing initiatives. The coalition works with providers and insurers to improve quality, cost-efficiency and value in health care.
Mulherin, Rehfeldt & Varchetto (MRV) Law. Valek & Co. created new branding materials for this firm, including a Web site, sales kit and candid and portrait photography.
Neurologic and Orthopedic Institute of Chicago. Valek & Co. wrote a capabilities folder with inserts for this specialty hospital.
Paradise Tomato Kitchens. Ray Valek led branding, marketing and public relations initiatives for this tomato sauce producer while an agency vice president.
Pfizer. Working closely with the company's licensing team, Ray Valek wrote a PowerPoint presentation and speech explaining Pfizer's pharmaceutical compound licensing process to professionals responsible for strategic planning, business development and new product development. The presentation was delivered at a global conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
Promet Energy. For this African-American owned and managed natural gas wholesaler, Valek & Co. created a logotype, Web site, marketing and PR materials.
St. James Hospital and Health Centers. Valek & Co. introduced the St. James Comprehensive Cancer Institute and St. James Heart and Vascular Institute to south suburban Chicago. This work included the creation of messages and a visual look for the new institutes within the context of a pre-existing branding structure.
State of Illinois Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force. Appointed by Illinois Department of Public Health Director Eric Whitaker, M.D., Ray Valek served as the task force's social marketing expert. Formed through Public Act 93-0956 signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich, the task force is studying the prevalence of cervical cancer in Illinois, raising public awareness about the causes, identifying strategies and technologies effective in preventing the disease, and reviewing related public policies.
State of Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program. Valek & Co. was contracted by the state of Illinois to cut through the complexities of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program and deliver a simple message: people on Medicare can get free help choosing a Medicare drug plan from the state's Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). The Valek & Co. team for this project included NBC-5 (WMAQ-TV, Chicago) and the media planning company Media, Help! The team produced English and Spanish television spots, a statewide media buy, and various media materials for use by SHIP offices throughout the state. This project demonstrates Valek & Co.'s ability to build a tailor-made team that delivers what the client needs.
Stonegate Strategic Advisors. Valek & Co. implemented a public relations strategy focused on communicating the firm's differentiators to its target market.
University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC). Valek & Co. wrote several field briefs describing UHC implementation collaboratives.
University of Chicago Medical Center. Ray Valek was an integral member of a team that increased consumer awareness and preference of the Medical Center. Ray wrote names and statements such as the "Center for Advanced Medicine" and "A Place Where the Remarkable Happens" to reinforce the Medical Center's brand position as the best hospital in Chicago and the most preferred medical center for the treatment of serious illness. The team won six IABC Gold Quill Awards in categories including writing, annual reports, fundraising communication, illustration and marketing.
University of Illinois Medical Center. While an agency vice president, Ray Valek led the team that developed the new University of Illinois Medical Center brand in response to marketing research that showed the comparative strength of the new brand compared to the UIC Medical Center brand. This work included the creation of a Marketing Tool Kit - an online resource with key brand messages, graphic identity standards and other useful tools. This work was recognized as a national finalist in the SABRE (Superior Achievement in Branding and Reputation Management) Awards conducted by the Holmes Report, an arbiter of excellence in the communication industry.
University of Pennsylvania Health System. Valek & Co. wrote a presentation highlighting Penn's history, traditions and future plans for a potential major donor. Ray Valek's former boss called him into the project because of his ability to humanize academic institutions and present compelling cases for financial support. Also, to assist Penn's marketing department's budget defense, Valek & Co. completed a staffing and budget study of Penn's peer institutions.
UroCor Labs. Ray Valek developed communication strategies and wrote technical, scientific copy about diagnostic services offered to urologists by this company.
UroPartners. Ray Valek wrote a brochure and physician biographies for this suburban Chicago medical practice.
Vista Health. Valek & Co. wrote a series of articles (on colon cancer, colonoscopy, electrophysiology and gastro-esophageal reflex disease) for Vista's Healthy Life magazine. These articles also appear on Vista's Web site. Valek & Co. also provided editorial and media relations support for an emergency room open house and for announcements relating to Vista Health's sale to Community Health Systems.
Walgreens. Valek & Co. wrote a quarterly newsletter directed at parents of children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, as well as a Web site about the company's immunoglobulin therapy program.