AUBURN – The Corporate and Community Services Department at Central Maine Community College will offer a four-part certificate program in media relations from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. beginning May 5. Cost of the series is $195 per person and includes materials. For more information or to register, call 755-5280 or email training@cmcc.edu.

Designed for small businesses, nonprofits and volunteer organizations, this course provides the tactics and strategies essential for anyone who wants to use free publicity to sell more products, offer their services, promote an important cause or issue, enhance their reputation, or position themselves as an expert in their field.

Topics include fundamentals of dealing with the broadcast and print media, how to write a press release, choosing the right medium, dealing with media contacts, what the media will and won’t do for you, and making and keeping great media relations.

“Not every small business or organization has the financial resources to hire a public relations specialist, much less an agency to get them, their product, or service in front of the public.” said Jim Handy, program presenter. “This series will help participants seize the power of the media to build their organization or business.”

Through his professional work in the print and broadcast media and his volunteer experiences, Handy has written hundreds of news stories, press releases and newsletters.

As a public official for more than 20 years and as a public relations consultant, Handy knows first-hand how to get media attention.

For more information about current offerings, or how the College can help meet specific training needs, please call the Corporate and Community Services Department at 755-5280 or 1-800-891-2002 extension 280.