President’s Word

I can’t believe that it is already October!  This year has flown by, as it seems every year does.  Knowing how fast paced our lives can be, it can sometimes be a challenge to utilize all the professional development opportunities we see around us.  As PR professionals, our organizations, clients, and businesses rely on us to stay abreast of the current trends and activities that may affect them in their day-to-day business operations.  Over the last few years I have heard many PR pros say they have taken on more responsibilities while also managing the projects and programs they have overseen for years.  These busy schedules make it hard to attend seminars or take additional courses on what is happening in the market and economy.  This is why your membership to FPRA is even more crucial and beneficial than ever before!

The 2012-2013 Board and Leadership team are working hard to make sure that you are getting the most out of your FPRA membership with monthly programs and additional PR opportunities.  Through programming, accreditation support, recognition, and interfacing with other local professional groups, our members are able to make new connections while learning about topics they find interesting and helpful in their daily professions. 

The next opportunity for members will be PR University on Thursday, November 8.  This full day event offers you a chance to hear from multiple speakers on a variety of topics, somewhat like a mini-conference.  The speakers at this event will connect you with principles, tactics, and the latest trends in communications.  Topics will cover crisis communications, trademark and copyright laws, changes in social media, and more.  Guests are able to attend the full-day event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or they can enjoy a special lunch presentation at a lower rate. 

Partial scholarships to PR University will be available for non-profit agencies.  To learn more, contact Carla Ulakovic at carla.ulakovic@gmail.com or Michelle Nagal at m@michelleinnovation.com. 

In addition to PR University, we will have a Merry Mixer event on November 29 – a fun time to get together and socialize while preparing for the holiday rush!  We will have a silent auction to help raise money to support our FGCU student chapter scholarships, professional scholarships, and community professional development series we offer at no cost to area non-profits.  So, on top of great company, you have a chance to walk away with some awesome items for yourself or the people on your holiday shopping list.

Stay tuned for more great events coming at the start of 2013, we already have many exciting events lined up that I know you will love! 

Have a great October!