FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2006

CONTACT: Jennifer Navarro, GR-PR
(630) 789-8555

'Free Speech' Celebrates a decade of service

(HINSDALE, IL) - Free Speech, a pro bono speaker’s bureau, celebrates ten years of service to the community including groups, libraries, business clubs and organizations from the city of Chicago and nearly every suburb. Thousands of groups have utilized the well-established speaker's bureau which provides a roster of 170 outstanding speakers, all of whom speak for free.

Free Speech was launched officially in 1996 with six speakers. The response was, and continues to be, overwhelming. Today, more than 200 speeches are available from 170 speakers, many of whom are professionals in their fields, and some are professional speakers willing to speak for free.

Free Speech is now a “chain” (a chain of two!): A former colleague of Ginny’s, also a PR company president, asked permission to start a similar bureau. Ginny shared all her materials. “Speak Freely” is alive and well in Arlington, Texas! Visit Free Speech’s sister bureau at http://www.brodnickipr.com/speakfreely.htm

“Speak Freely is the Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas, version of Free Speech,” said Sandra Brodnicki, president of Brodnicki Public Relations.

Sandra said to Ginny, “Thanks for creating such a terrific concept. I know you will keep Free Speech going strong in the Chicago area.”

Humble beginnings

Founded by Ginny Richardson, president of GR-PR (Ginny Richardson Public Relations), Free Speech is just what it says – free! The clubs and groups pay nothing. All speakers speak at no cost. Richardson and her company make no money.

"Other than a nominal fee ($25 one-time-only) for the speaker to join Free Speech, no money changes hands anywhere along the chain,” Ginny Richardson said. “The $25 helps defray postage costs only. I like to run this whole operation as community service.

Groups that utilize Free Speech and its sister bureau include Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries, Kiwanis Clubs, retirement communities, conventions, break-out sessions, church groups, women’s groups, men’s groups, and libraries.

The benefits to the group or club are obvious: The price is right! And what Free Speech does for its speakers is provide the opportunity to hone speaking skills, make contacts, convey a message, entertain audiences and give back to the community.

“I am astonished at the number of generous people who join Free Speech,” Richardson said. “Each person realizes he or she will make no money. And people who call for speakers for the first time are always incredulous that no money is expected of them. Typically I have to convince them that there is no gimmick.”

Richardson is president of GR-PR, Ginny Richardson-Public Relations, a Hinsdale, Ill. firm specializing in media relations. Free Speech is an outgrowth of this PR business. It began humbly. Someone called and said they knew Richardson had an impressive network and could she recommend a colleague or client (or friend) to speak to a particular group. Indeed she did know people and she recommended a couple of friends, and it all worked out well for everyone.

What Richardson noticed was how much she enjoyed playing matchmaker for empty lecterns and people who like to talk. In the summer of 1996, she typed up a list of names, some PR clients, some friends, with short descriptions of each person's topic. At her own expense, the list was mailed to clubs and organizations in the suburban area, mostly DuPage County.

You’ve come a long way, baby

Today, with a vastly longer list of speakers, Free Speech reaches beyond DuPage County. The response from the communities and the city of Chicago has been tremendous. It seems every group needs and wants wonderful speakers, but not all groups have abundant budgets for high caliber speakers. Free Speech fills that need

Some topics and/or speakers are:

• health care (many physicians belong to Free Speech), diet and nutrition

• conquering procrastination and other life enhancing skills

• motivation/inspiration

• The I&M Canal (in costume), Riverview Amusement Park, and other nostalgia

• “backstage” at the Theatre of Western Springs

• family dynamics

• financial advice

• golf skills and other sports related topics

• marketing on a shoestring and how to get free publicity

• business productivity, job skills, and career advancement

• humor

“Free Speech has been a great way to meet people in business and in the community, and it’s a lot of fun!” said Ruth Gibson, a Free Speech speaker from Wheaton Counseling Association, Ltd.

John Budilovsky is one of Free Speech’s speakers. His talk on the funeral industry is quite popular. He has been in the funeral business for more than 70 years and is the oldest licensed funeral director in Illinois.

John’s daughter, Joan Budilovsky, wrote to Free Speech saying, “I can’t tell you how wonderful Free Speech is! My dad has had several engagements so far, and all have been a joy. It’s also a great joy to go with him and see him sparkle. Thank you for providing such a wonderful service.”

Free Speech also receives rave reviews from the groups who use it. Terry Campbell, Adult Programming Assistant at the Prospect Heights, Ill. Public Library said, “We had Derek Randel present a talk titled, "How to Remove the Yelling from Your Home.” Our patrons felt the program was both helpful and thought provoking. We really appreciate the time and attention Derek put into presenting this program for our library. We will continue to use Free Speech as a valuable resource for our programs.”

So, how is any money made? It isn't. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. But what is made is a whole lot of goodwill for both speaker and group.

For more information, visit http://www.gr-pr.com or call 630-789-8555

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