Toplin Distinguished as Only PR Firm Owner To Make List
Ellen Toplin, president and founder of Toplin & Associates, Inc., a Fort Washington, Pa.-based marketing, public relations and advertising firm, has been named one of the Philadelphia area’s 101 Connectors by Leadership Philadelphia, in the just-released results.
The first-ever Connector Project was organized in the summer of 2005 to identify members of the community who exemplify high-quality leadership and to use the results in the development of a curriculum that will help grow civic leadership skills in adults and high school students. The results are based on 4,800 responses – and 4,300 unique names – suggested by citizens throughout the region who were asked to name people who follow through on commitments to others; treat people they meet with respect; are trusting and trustworthy; expect the best in others while inspiring them to achieve more than they thought possible; demonstrate a high level of contagious energy; and factor the common good into their decisions, among other important traits.
“The ‘connector’ idea isn’t about being a ‘player’; it’s more about, corny as it sounds, playing nice. It’s not about having ‘juice’; it’s about inspiring trust. The connector thinks information is most useful when shared, not hoarded,” said Chris Satullo, journalist and a Connector himself, in his Oct. 15 commentary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Active in various non-profit organizations, Toplin serves as a board member of The Forum of Executive Women, as former mentor and now facilitator in the Forum’s mentoring program, and has chaired the group’s strategic marketing and communications committee. Currently vice-chair of the American Red Cross Blood Services Division-Penn Jersey Region and in line to become board chair next year, she also co-chairs the organization’s donor services committee and serves on both the executive and nominating committees. A member for the Women for the WaterWorks, Toplin has also served on the image enhancement committee of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“I am thrilled but not surprised to see Ellen’s name on this list of area connectors,” says Brigid O’Neill-LaGier, chief executive officer of the Penn-Jersey Region of American Red Cross Blood Services. “The qualities identified by the Connector project come naturally to Ellen. She is willing to spend as much time as it takes and has a passionate commitment for bringing ideas and people together for the betterment of a community where everyone’s intrinsic value is recognized.”
In addition to her dedication to advising women professionals, Toplin, who began her career as a social worker, is equally committed to performing countless hours of pro bono service for more than 40 regional non-profit organizations that have benefited from the firm’s counsel or support over the years.
“If I had my druthers, I would do everything for free for causes I believe in,” says Toplin. “For me, my work is not about achieving power, money or influence. It is about helping others – whether it is a colleague, a company, an employee, or a cause – and making a difference. If we don’t do something in this world to make and leave it a better place for others, then we have missed the point of being here at all.”
A strong leader and role model in the business community, Toplin was recognized this year as an “inspiring individual” by the Women’s Center of Montgomery County. In 2005, she was named one of the state’s Best 50 Women in Business by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, a program recognizing women business owners and leaders and their impact in creating jobs and building communities in Pennsylvania. Toplin was also the recipient of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s 2005 Athena Award, which honors business people who “affirm a values-based philosophy of leadership that celebrates relationships and service to the community.”