FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Finney Receives Prestigious Communicator of the Year Award by IABC/Detroit

Detroit, Mich., June 29, 2007 - John Finney, senior consultant at Watson Wyatt was recently presented with the 2007 Communicator of the Year Award during ceremonies at the 26th annual IABC/Detroit Renaissance Awards banquet, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. This prestigious award is IABC/Detroit's highest honor and is presented annually to an organizational leader, whose achievements and contributions have advanced the profession.

"John's record of outstanding achievements and his commitment to professionalism and integrity are unquestioned. He is a shining example of what every communications professional should aspire to," said Debra Salem, IABC/Detroit President. "We are honored to recognize John for his outstanding contributions and his continuing involvement with IABC, both nationally and locally."

Nominated by his peers, Finney has more than 22 years of experience in corporate and organizational communications serving in various communications roles up to the director level with large community-based and teaching healthcare organizations. He built his expertise in a number of areas, including employee communication, issues management, community relations, crisis management, media relations and merger and acquisition communication.

During his acceptance speech, Finney emphasized the importance of the professional communicator's role as facilitator of information and understanding in today's fast-paced information age.

Since joining Watson Wyatt in 1998, Finney has become a valued advisor, consultant and counselor on communication and change management issues for dozens of Fortune 500 companies across the country, not just in the Detroit area. He is also a senior member of one of the largest change management and communication consulting organizations in the nation, and has spent time during his tenure with Watson Wyatt effectively leading one of the largest geographic practices in the firm.

Finney's record of leadership extends to his involvement with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Sustaining his interest in seeing professional communicators expand their ability to have a positive impact on the field and on their organizations, Finney served in a variety of IABC roles both locally and nationally. He was rewarded for his outstanding contributions in 1997-1998 when he was named Chairman of the organization. As Chairman, he fulfilled the responsibility of promoting the profession and the benefits of IABC as an organization, while representing more than 14,000 members/business communication professionals from 52 countries around the world. Today, Finney continues to be a frequent speaker and author on topics of critical importance to the communication field, looking for opportunities to share his knowledge and experience with other professionals. Finney holds master's degrees in both political science and in journalism, and is a frequent speaker on business communications and the future of the profession.

The 2007 Renaissance Awards was presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, in association with PR Newswire and Wayne State University. In-kind sponsors included Eclipse Creative, Fred Ferris Associates, JCI Design and Skidmore Studios.

About IABC/Detroit. IABC/Detroit is one of the largest chapters of the 14,000 member International Association of Business Communicators, connecting more than 250 professional communicators to the people, resources and knowledge necessary to advance their communication careers. The chapter, which includes members in Michigan, Ohio and Canada, holds monthly professional development programs; sponsors workshops; offers job referral services, informative publications, award programs, accreditation programs, and the opportunity to meet and network with other communicators.