(WINTER 2010)

A required course in the Certificate Program in Investor Relations.
This course focuses on understanding the communications environment involved in creating a dialogue between publicly held companies and their investor constituents, and developing the communications skills needed by the investor relations professional in dealing with the investment community. Topics include targeted research to identify potential audiences; gathering of financial and industry information for development of corporate messaging; planning and implementation of communications vehicles to be used in outreach programs to investors; and development of long-term relationships with key investor constituents. The entire communications process will be presented in the context of disclosure and materiality issues, including the legal framework within which investor relations professionals must necessarily operate. See enrollment confirmation for login information.

Laurie Little, M.B.A., is the Vice President, Investor Relations at Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and is responsible for the company's external and internal communication programs. Prior to Valeant, Little was most recently the Senior Director, Investor Relations for Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and commercializing prescription drug products for the treatment of cancer and other unmet medical needs. She was responsible for establishing and managing the company's internal and external communications program with the investment community, shareholders and employees, in addition to maintaining disclosure and corporate governance policies. In addition, Little was Sr. Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for SICOR Inc. where she was responsible for all communications with the investment community and the media, as well as overseeing the administration of the company's employee stock option plan and employee stock purchase program. Little is also an active member of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and served on the Board for the Orange County Chapter for six years.