March to Success

Three, Two,One…Blast off!

Ginny launched the meeting with introductions of the Leadership Team, and then it was down to business.

Notable Nuggets:
As we look around the room today, there are guests-a-plenty! Thanks to those new friendly faces for coming to the meeting.

Fridays at the Forum are turning out to be a great success. FPRA welcomed nearly ten new members.


Join the A Team!
Give me an "A" for active!

Now that we all have that team spirit going...

FPRA is getting a jump start on PRU 2010 and is seeking a PRU Chair (and committee members). The program can open up professional opportunities - as a committee member and as a Leadership Team member your career will benefit from the professional development and experience. We would love to have you on board – please get in touch with Kathleen Taylor (656-2380).

No Fooling Around, Mark your Calendars!
PR Pro Bono Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lakes Park Library Community Room.

The event opens with a PR 101 session at 1:00 p.m. with an informative panel discussion about public relations and a Q&A session. Our target audience is the non profit community and our goal is to share one-on-one time with attendees demonstrating the value of professional PR services and offer mini-counseling sessions. This is a unique opportunity for PR professionals to make a difference in the community by sharing tips and best practices in today’s challenging marketplace.

For more information contact Cindy Burgess (335-0470).

Flying in...
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Err...well maybe not, but our local public relations professionals truly ARE super heroes for the organizations and clients that they serve.

The 2009 Image Awards - "Super-Powered PR"- is just around the corner!

FPRA is asking local PR professionals to reveal their "secret identities" and submit an Image Award entry to receive kudos for a job well done! Let's show the state what Southwest Florida is made of. :)

Not a PR professional, but still want to be part of the action? Never fear because where there is a will, there is a way! Sponsorship opportunities are available for those individuals and organizations in the gift amount of $500 or $250. For more information, contact Ginny Cooper (297-3638) or Kathleen Taylor (656-2380).

Dates to Remember: Deadline for entries: March 20
Image Awards Gala: April 16

Special Note: It was announced that all FPRA members and student members who submit an Image entry will receive one free entry to the Image Awards Gala event. If you submit one entry, that's one ticket. If you submit five entries, that's five tickets. What a deal!

Speaking of the Image Awards...

They are great practice for the Readiness Review! If any members would like information on sitting for your APR or CPRC, contact Mary Briggs (278-3900). Study sessions are coming soon!

The Presentation:
Did you know....
That the Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award has been given for 52 years and only two of those awards have been issued to Southwest Florida! Susan's award was the second win for Southwest Florida and first for a non-profit organization from this area.

Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC, winner of the 2008 Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award showed members and guests just what it takes to create a “super” entry.

Susan walked us through her campaign for the Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS). She stressed the importance of clear objectives and a strong implementation plan. Some highlights and helpful how-to suggestions from the presentation:

SWFAS Campaign Objectives

Build a case - find community leaders to support efforts
Develop partnerships in the media
Remove stigma of addiction
Raise half of the capital needed by 2008

SWFAS Implementation:

Workshops to impact stakeholders
Letter of Support
Printed materials: Fundraising brochures, direct mail pieces
Cohesive message and brand: updated newsletters, put relevant information about the campaign, etc.
Develop and reiterate strong key messages

Image Award Hints

Pay attention to the rules (there are changes this year!)
Have someone check your entry, and ask for feedback
Judges aren't local, familiarize them with the area. Be careful not to include
unnecessary details.
Take the feedback you receive on the local level for a revamp of the entry and
send it forward to Golden Image.

What's the value of receiving an Image Award?
Not only does an image award cement your relationship with a client and your agency, it is truly a notable accomplishment that will do wonders for your resume and heart.