May Member Spotlight

Matt Visaggio is Principal and Founder of Visaggio Community Consulting, LLC (VCC) and Director of Business Development for Atilus™.

Matt has a strong background in grant source research and proposal preparation for all types of grants, including federal, state, local, and foundation grants. He serves as the contracted director of development for the Literacy Council Gulf Coast, the second largest literacy nonprofit in the United States. Matt takes a holistic approach to public sector fundraising, emphasizing strategic planning and public relations efforts.

Since founding VCC in 2010, Matt has assisted a variety of clientele with their grant writing needs, including the Lee County Office of Sustainability for the for the Sustainable Communities Notice of Funding Available from HUD. He spent five years developing and managing public relations efforts for State Representative Gary Aubuchon (Cape Coral) and developed a highly successful Teen Outreach Prevention program in Suncoast Estates for the Children’s Advocacy Center. Matt teaches courses at Edison State College in both Public Policy and Community Relations.

Matt has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including Literacy Volunteers of Lee County, The FGCU Alumni Association and the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida.

1.) As our newest chapter member, what are you hoping to get out of FPRA?

I hope to have the opportunity to network with public relations professionals to hone and refine my skills. Additionally, I hope to provide a benefit to the chapter by offering my experience in technology, public policy, and community relations. Looking toward the future, I hope to utilize chapter's institutional knowledge in preparing for APR certification.

2.) Do you have any special projects or goals coming up in the near future either professionally or personally?

Professionally, our firm Atilus is managing the web development, marketing and public relations efforts of Rick Johnson Auto and Tire and Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida. We hope to provide public relations and marketing services that continue to promote and reinforce their respective images as generous corporate citizens and trustworthy businesses in Lee and Collier Counties. Additionally, Atilus is excited to continue to pursue meaningful ways to support Florida Gulf Coast University. Seven of our ten team members are FGCU alumni!

 

Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce is Hiring!

JOB DESCRIPTION: MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (NEW MEMBER SALES FOCUS)

Job Title: Membership Development                Department: N/A

Reports to:  Director of Operations Date: May 2013

Supervises: N/A Revised:                      x Exempt     Nonexempt     

The Membership Development representative (new member focus) is responsible with minimal supervision, for selling 15 Chamber memberships per month to prospective non-member businesses by communicating the benefits of the Chamber.

Job Specifications:  (Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required)

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in communications or business.

Education/Training (or equivalent):

Experience:  (Type of work experience, minimum number of years of each).

• Must have previous sales experience. Self-starter who work well autonomously.

• This person must have a proven track record in sales.

Special Administrative Knowledge:

• Database management, excellent writing and computer skills.

Special Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent follow through, time management and excellent customer service.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Excel and Word.

• Must have/maintain a dependable vehicle with proof of license and insurance.

Unique Duties/Responsibilities:

The position will also be responsible for:

• Actively develop leads for prospective members and attain sales goal of 15 members per month.

• Manage and maintain supplies of membership collateral materials, updating as necessary.

• Prospect all Chamber products and services including but not limited to lobby advertising, enhanced website visibility, web banner sponsorship and all other ancillary products and services.

• Respond to telephone and e-mail membership inquiries, booking and maintaining appointments for prospective members.

• Provide prospective members with an enthusiastic and informative presentation of Chamber benefits and presents approved membership options and prices.

• Complete all membership paperwork for new members, including application and orientation requirements.

• Track and report daily membership sales calls through the diligent use of contact management software.  Provide to

President and CEO and the Director of Operations each Friday.

• Distribute passes, fliers and other materials to create flow of prospective members.

• Coordinate with Membership Development Representative 2 (retention focus) quarterly New Member Orientations.

• Manage annual membership drives.

• Assist President with Invest for Success sales.

• Develop relationships and encourage member referrals.

• Assist Membership Development Retention Representative 2 (retention focus) with all aspects of Business Before Business and Business After Hour events.

• Attend Chamber meetings, trainings and retreats.

• Works to upgrade current and new members to higher levels of membership.

• Maintain all proper paperwork such as copies of membership applications.

General Responsibilities:

• Staff Chamber functions as needed.

• All other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION: MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (RETENTION FOCUS)

Job Title: Membership Development (retention focus)         Date: May 2013 

Reports to: Director of Operations                           Supervises: N/A         x Exempt     Nonexempt

The Membership Development Representative (retention focus) is responsible with minimal supervision, for selling 5 Chamber memberships per month to prospective non-member businesses and orient new members to all the benefits of membership.

Job Specifications:  (Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required)

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in communications or business and minimum 3 years

Education/Training (or equivalent):

Experience:  (Type of work experience, minimum number of years of each).

• Must have previous sales experience. Self-starter who work well autonomously

• This person must have a proven track record in sales

• Assists management in meeting membership and financial objectives

Special Administrative Knowledge:

• Database management, excellent writing and computer skills

• Excellent follow through, time management and excellent customer service

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Excel and Word

• Must have/maintain a dependable vehicle with proof of license and insurance

Unique Duties/Responsibilities:

• Actively develop 5 new members per month and attain yearly retention goals

• Manage and maintain supplies of retention collateral materials, updating as necessary

• Sell President’s Club memberships, lobby advertising, and all other ancillary products; and make referrals to outsourced staff for enhanced website visibility and web banner sponsorship

• Assist President with Invest for Success sales

• Respond to telephone and e-mail new members, booking and maintaining appointments for retention 

• Maintain contact with current membership, inviting them to attend events, and making personal visits with the goal of improving retention rate 3% annually

• Complete all contact report paperwork for retention calls and orientation requirements

• Track and report daily membership retention calls through the diligent use of contact management software;  Provide to President and CEO each Friday

• Coordinate quarterly New Member Orientations

• Coordinate all membership drives

• Manage Ambassador Committee and Ribbon Cuttings

• Develop strategic alliances between members to encourage member referrals

• Schedule and manage all aspects of the Business Before Business (BBB) and Business After Hours (BAH) events

• Works to upgrade current and new members to higher levels of membership

• Generate leads to develop new corporate sponsorships

• Manage Summer Lunch Series

• Staff Chamber functions as needed and all other duties as assigned by supervisory staff

APR Trivia: May

Question: How many APRs are there worldwide?

A.     5,000

B.     1,000

C.     10,000

D.     500

Answer: A. There are 5,000 APRs worldwide, including nearly 30 right here in Southwest Florida.

Membership Now Half Off!

 

 

If you know anyone who may be considering becoming a member of the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA please share with them exciting news - membership is now half off! 

Caught your eye, didn't I?

Due to the structure of our organization, our fiscal runs November 1 - October 31 so as of May 1 non-members can apply for a 6-month membership, which equates to half the price of a full membership! This would be effective from the date of their application approval by the board through October 31, 2013. Alternatively, they can also sign up for a year and a half membership, which would be valid from the date of their application approval through October 31, 2014. 

Let's keep our chapter strong and growing and look for people who might want to join FPRA. The 6-month membership is a great way for them to try us out and then decide to join for a full year!  

Have questions or need help? Contact Samantha Scott, APR at samantha@getpushing.com.

 

 

Local media professionals share insights at FRPA Media Breakfast

Local media professionals share insights at

FRPA Media Breakfast

FORT MYERS, FLA. (May 8, 13) – Five local media professionals will share their diverse perspectives and experiences at the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s annual media breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at the Holiday Inn Airport/Town Center in Fort Myers. The event helps local businesses learn how to obtain the best results from their media relations campaigns and programs.

The presenters will be Krista Fogelsong, news anchor, Waterman Broadcasting; Amy Tardif, news director, WGCU-FM; Osvaldo Padilla, editor, Florida Weekly; Jean Gruss, editor, Business Observer; and Steve McQuilkin, business and real estate editor, The News-Press Media Group.

The event is sponsored by Edison State College, and additional sponsorships are still available.

Established in 1938 and the oldest public relations organization in the country, the FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners.

The Holiday Inn Airport/Town Center is located at 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive. Admission is $40 for FPRA members, $50 for nonmembers and $15 for members of the FPRA student chapter. Reservations can be arranged by visiting www.fpraswfl.org. For more details or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Phyllis Ershowsky at 225-2764 or e-mail Phyllis@PKECreative.com.

Registration for this event will open soon!

Local Job Opportunities at Canterbury School!

 There are new local positions at Canterbury School in Fort Myers.  All applicants are asked to apply online at: www.CanterburyFortMyers.org

Digital Communications Coordinator – Part- Time

Canterbury School- Fort Myers, Florida

Job Description

May 2013

Job Title: Digital Communications Coordinator

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development

Employee Name:

Hours (subject to change): 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, additional hours as necessary

FLSA Status: Hourly

Prepared By: Deborah Johnson

Prepared Date: May 6, 2013

Approved By:  Tony Paulus

Approved Date: May 6, 2013

Digital Communications Coordinator

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a part-time (30 hrs/week) position and reports to the Director of Development. 

Primary Responsibilities include:

Website:

·        Serves as Canterbury’s webmaster for www.canterburyfortmyers.org

·        Works closely with the Director of Strategic Communications to ensure accurate, well-written, and dynamic web presence, including daily news and event updates and multimedia content

·        Serves as liaison with school’s web provider, addressing support issues and keeping campus users informed of software updates/changes

·        Provides on-going training and technical support to parents for the school website

·        Monitors website analytics and search engine rankings

Photography/Video

·        Ensures proper coverage of all School events and activities, taking pictures and/or video at daytime events and some evening events

·        Maintains School’s digital photo/video archives, including digital signage across campus

E-Communications

·        Works with Director of Development & Director of Strategic Communications in the production of the school e-communications including writing, editing, design and photography for: Annual Report, About Canterbury Magazine, e-newsletters, and other special projects as assigned

·        Coordinate, edit and disseminate Faculty and Student Handbooks

·        Edit and disseminate Parent Association’s grade-level communications

Social Media

·        Employ the School’s existing social media strategy

·        Produce content for School’s social media accounts

·        Monitor its online presence, ensuring consistency with the School’s mission and brand

Radio

·        Provide technical support for occasional Internet-based radio broadcasts

Qualifications

·         Superior writing and editing skills, including knowledge of AP style

·         Experience with SEO and finalsite software or similar website content management systems preferred

·         Experience managing social media content in a business/professional role, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and blogs

·         Strong working knowledge of digital cameras, scanners, and digital editing software including Adobe Photoshop

Performance Characteristics

·         Is imbued with a deep sense of Canterbury’s mission and culture

·         Is outgoing and inquisitive, with a commitment to accuracy

·         Is thorough and organized

·         Is committed to the ISM Advancement Guiding Principles

Recruitment Schedule:

May 7-19th      Resumes received, initial contact with potential candidates.

5/20-24            Resumes reviewed and initial phone interviews

5/28-31            Personal Interviews on Campus

Director of Strategic Communications

Canterbury School- Fort Myers, Florida

Job Description

May 2013

Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications  (formerly Director of Public Relations & Webmaster)

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development

Employee Name:

Hours (subject to change): 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, additional hours as necessary

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Deborah Johnson

Prepared Date: May 6, 2013

Approved By:  Tony Paulus

Approved Date: May 6, 2013

Director of Strategic Communications

The Director of Strategic Communications works with school departments and constituencies to select appropriate communication methods in order to disseminate information, assist in student recruitment and re-recruitment, fund-raising endeavors, and help create a general feeling of good will toward and about Canterbury School. The Director is charged with presenting a positive and consistent image of Canterbury to members of the school community and the general public.

This is a full-time, 12-month administrative position reporting directly to the Director of Development.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

·         Effectively leads and directs the work of the communications plan

·         Develops and manages communications program budget

·         Oversees and manages the overall direction of the school’s communication program to include:

o       Development and management of school-wide communications budget

o       Creation, management, and facilitation of annual school-wide communications plan to include all departments and divisions

o       Creation, management, and facilitation of annual school-wide communications calendar to include all departments and divisions

·         Works closely with the Director of Admission to create marketing and communications strategies that promote and enhance recruitment, reenrollment, and retention programs

·         Works closely with the Director of Development and other staff to plan and implement their programs and events

·         Attends Development and Marketing Committee meetings

Branding and Messaging

·         Ensures consistent school-wide messaging

·         Monitors and enforces the school’s editorial and graphic standards policies, ensuring that all publications carrying the school name and logo make a consistent, positive contribution to the school’s image

·         Develops and oversees content strategy for all major publications/communications (printed and digital) including but not limited to: website, magazine, annual report, social media, photo, e-newsletter, e-calendar, photography/videography

·         Provides school-wide writing/editing support as needed, including for the Head of School, and Heads of the Lower, Intermediate, Middle and Upper Schools

Media/Community Relations

·         Oversees crisis communications strategy, including management of crisis communications plan

·         Serves as primary media spokesperson for School

·         Manages media relations by working with Schools professional and faculty leadership team to identify newsworthy events, writing press releases and cultivating relationships with local media

·         Provide media training, as necessary, to staff, students, teachers, and coaches

·         Research, recommend, and implement community relations activities that align with School’s overall marketing, admission, and communication strategy

·         Works closely with the Director of Development and other staff to plan and implement their programs and events

·         Attends Development and Marketing Committee meetings

Qualifications

·         Has a bachelor's degree in communications/marketing or related field

·         5+ years of experience in related position.

·         Is fluent in latest technology/software pertinent to the role

·         Possesses excellent speaking, writing, and public relations skills

·         Is knowledgeable concerning the latest developments in the field of e-communications, social media, and the Internet

·         Understands graphic design principles

·         Has strong journalistic skills–has the ability to tell Canterbury’s story in words and pictures

Performance Characteristics

·         Is imbued with a deep sense of Canterbury’s mission and culture

·         Is outgoing and inquisitive, with a commitment to accuracy

·         Has a high “EQ” (emotional quotient)

·         Is thorough and organized

·         Is an excellent listener (“hears” what is being said and not said), following up and probing effectively

·         Has the ability to engage community members to promote the interests of Canterbury

·         Visibly takes great pride in Canterbury and its accomplishments, and communicates such in all written, electronic, and verbal communications with current and prospective members of the school community

·         Is committed to own professional growth and renewal

·         Is committed to the ISM Advancement Guiding Principles.

Recruitment Schedule:

May 7-19th      Resumes received, initial contact with potential candidates.

5/20-24            Resumes reviewed and initial phone interviews

5/28-31            Personal Interviews on Campus

I can't live without...

Congrats to Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations on celebrating 30 successful years in the industry!

Here is what Laurel Smith, APR could not live without:

"I could not live without the wise counsel, ongoing collaboration and frequent reality checks provided by our firm’s founder, Amy Gravina, and my partners, Tina Matte and Sharon Arnold.  As our firm celebrates its 30th anniversary, I am grateful for an amazing professional support network that includes our officemate, Melinda Isley, and FPRA members who willingly and generously share sources, ideas and advice."