2013 FPRA State Conference!

We are getting closer to what is considered Florida’s # 1 Professional Development Conference for PR Professionals.  Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 4 through Wednesday, August 7, 2013 to attend this exciting professional and networking event.  The conference will take place at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg Florida.  This year celebrates the 75^th anniversary of FPRA, and will have a range of excellent speakers.  Some of the topics include optimizing digital communications, corporate social responsibility, overcoming challenges, handling challenging media situations and more.  To register for conference, visit www.fpra.org.  Conference attendees also receive a special room rate of $139 at The Vinoy if you register through the FPRA website.  Make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. 

I can't live without...

From Betsy Clayton,

Waterways coordinator for Lee County Parks & Recreation:

"I can’t live without my volunteers. I coordinate a 190-mile canoe and kayak trail and a four-day festival. No way could I do any of that effectively without volunteer staff. Fortunately, Lee County Parks & Recreation has a fun and happy volunteer program. Not only does it make work more pleasant and make it so we can serve park patrons better, but it saves us money. In fiscal Year 2012, Lee County Parks & Recreation had 1,646 registered volunteer staff that served 66,058 hours -- contributing $1,022,584 of matched wages of service to Lee County. But the real bottom line is the human one: My Calusa Blueway volunteers here at the Parks  Department make my work days more enriching and enjoyable."

Meeting Recap: Local Image Awards -April 18th

The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) announced the winners of its Local Image Awards on April 18, 2013 at Base Operations at Page Field. The competition is conducted annually to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Southwest Florida during the last year, and to encourage and promote the development of public relations professionalism. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.

The Grand All Image Award, FPRA’s highest honor, together with an Image Award and a Judges’ Award were presented to the LCEC Public Relations Team and Student Intern Miranda Moore for LCEC’s Holiday Giving Campaign.

A Grand Image Award and an Image Award went to: Priority Marketing and Cape Christian Fellowship for Cape Christian Fellowship’s Fellowship Park Press Release; and the East County Water Control District and Carla Ulakovic for Storage Opportunities PowerPoint Presentation, which also was awarded a Judges’ Award.

Other awards presented, were as follows:

Image Award: East County Water Control District and Carla Ulakovic for the Wings Over Water Festival; Lee County Port Authority Public Affairs Team for the Facebook Launch for Southwest Florida International Airport; Lauren Crawford, Phyllis Ershowsky, APR, CPRC, and Kate Walter for It’s Cake in a Cup! Notta Cupcake’s Rise from Farmer’s Market to Whole Foods Market;

Award of Distinction: Samantha Scott, APR, for the CAN IT! Campaign; Samantha Scott, APR, and Laurie Fried for the West Marine Fort Myers Flagship Grand Opening; Samantha Scott, APR, for the Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson Grand Re-Opening; Kate Gooderham, APR, CPRC, Ken Gooderham and Angie Ferguson for the 2012 Galloway Captiva Triathlon; Samantha Scott, APR, and Terri Davidson-Cabitt for Modern Day Mother’s Day;

Judge’s Award: Samantha Scott, APR, for the CAN IT! Campaign; East County Water Control District and Carla Ulakovic for the Wings Over Water Festival; Peter Bagwell, James Cox and Steve Derbin for Manufacturing Day; Debra Webb, APR, MPA, HOPE Clubhouse of Southwest Florida, Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C. and Chris Nealon, REACH FREQ, for An Evening of Laughs with Kevin Nealon.

 

FPRA SWFL Chapter Awards!

 

Chapter Awards

Every year our chapter recognizes members with special awards.  Awards are for chapter members only and you can nominate yourself, or someone you believe fits the description in of the categories below.   Please indicate which award you are nominating a candidate for and include a description of why you think they are the best match for this year’s awards.

The four awards categories are: The PR Professional of the Year; The Rising Star; The FPRA Chapter Member of the Year; and the Unsung Hero:

PR Professional of the Year

Our chapter honors a member who exemplifies the high standards of the public relations profession in Southwest Florida with the PR Professional of the Year Award. The recipients of this award display a professional attitude and exercise professional conduct, are cooperative and supportive of fellow public relations professionals, and are very interested in raising the professional standing of FPRA in our community. Think of this person as one who both leads by word and deed. She/ he is a person you respect for their work and for their determination constantly improve.

Chapter Member of the Year

The Southwest Florida Chapter Member of the Year is one who goes above and beyond in their commitment of time and energy to ensure the success of the chapter. Not only has this recipient embraced the creative thinking and opportunities for participation in chapter programs and projects, but she or he also serves as an ambassador to the community of what FPRA is all about. Basically, this person excels at their profession, and enjoys giving back to this chapter to inspire future PR leaders to learn and grow through FPRA.

Rising Star

The Rising Star award recognizes and up and coming leader in our chapter. This is someone who has shown enthusiasm and passion for the profession, and where ever you see them, they are likely to be making a positive difference through their service to chapter events, career pursuits and in other arenas. We like to encourage our members to seek opportunities to get involved, and the Rising Star awardee is someone who puts this call into action.

Unsung Hero

The Unsung Hero Award was created to recognize the contributions of an individual SWFL FPRA member for their hard work and dedication to the chapter 'behind the scenes' that helps to enhance and promote the Public Relations profession.  This award honors an individual who consistently provides support and assistance to the chapter and its professional goals without hesitation. 

President's Word

The SWFL Chapter has been extremely busy in the past few weeks.  The Image Awards just passed, and The Community Showcase was a huge success.  This is an exciting time of year for FPRA members, having just recognized many members at the Image Awards, and the annual conference is just around the corner.  Not to mention many more great programs coming up, and the annual chapter member awards. 

I already know how amazing our members are, and how hard everyone works.  With that in mind, I encourage you to nominate yourself or another member for one of the Annual Chapter Member Awards.  There are four categories, and so many members fit the description of all of them.  I will accept nominations for chapter awards through May 3.  You can email your nomination to me at jclark5983@yahoo.com. 

Since the local Image Awards have just passed, I encourage those who entered to consider submitting your entry to the Golden Image Awards at the state conference coming up.  Entries will be accepted through May 17, and you can find more information on the Golden Image Awards online at www.fpra.org/Recognition/Golden_Image

To see more of what the SWFL chapter has going on, check out our website at www.fpraswfl.org (which received kudos at the State Board meeting in February), our blog, or our Facebook.  And make sure to check out the State website at www.fpra.org to learn about the upcoming Annual Conference and how to register.   

Sign up for FRPA's Webinar Series!

As a member of FPRA, you can enjoy several free, or deeply discounted, webinars offered by the State Office.  Visit www.fpra.org to learn about upcoming topics and presentations.  Space is limited for each webinar, and FPRA plans to host two each month.  This is just another great tool to enhance your PR skills.  And your membership is working for you with the minimal to zero cost for each presentation.

Members can also save 50% on the upcoming webinar scheduled for April 25th 11:30am-12:30pm:

To access the member rates, provide the following promo code at the time of registration: GOLDEN.

Sign up today!

April Member Spotlight

  

Jaimie Duthoy

Marketing Coordinator

Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Jaimie Duthoy is originally from Minnesota but relocated to Southwest Florida in 2006 to attend college. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Communication with honors. After graduation, she managed the marketing and public relations efforts for the "World Famous" Cigar Bar, where she worked through college. In June of 2012, Jaimie started with Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery as Marketing Coordinator, which is the position she holds today. 

What is the most beneficial aspect of being an FPRA member?

I think the most beneficial aspect of being a member of FPRA is the motivation and continuing education I receive at every meeting. The guest speakers and panels are always well chosen and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. The opportunities that the chapter provides its members for professional advancement and education are very exciting. I hope to earn both my APR and CPRC from the chapter in the future as well as attend seminars and conferences.

Aside from the speakers, I am always sure to learn something from a fellow member or meet somebody new at every meeting. I have FPRA to thank for some great professional relationships that I've made over the last year.

Do you have any special projects or events you are currently working on?

Riverchase Dermatology is offering free skin cancer screenings at every one of their six Southwest Florida locations during "Melanoma May" to help detect and raise awareness for skin cancer. On Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Cape Coral and Downtown Naples offices will offer skin cancer screenings. On Friday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. new patients can be seen at the Fort Myers office. The North Naples, Marco Island and North Port offices will offer their screenings on Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All free screenings require an appointment and are for new patients to the practice only. Call 1-800-591-DERM (3376) to schedule an appointment or visit www.riverchasedermatology.com for more information.  

 

Learn more about May's luncheon speaker Kitty Green!

 

Kitty Green took the helm as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties in March of 2010.  In this position, she is responsible for leading one of the nation’s largest Habitat affiliates, providing direction for a diverse non-profit homebuilder, mortgage company and resale operation, with the mission of helping hardworking families own their own decent, affordable homes. 

Green was formerly the President and CEO of Bonita Bay Group, developer of seven master planned communities in Southwest Florida.  Over her ten-year career at Bonita Bay Group, Green was responsible for the development of Verandah in east Lee County and Sandoval in Cape Coral.  Prior to Bonita Bay Group, Green worked for WCI Communities, holding several positions over her ten-year career there.

Before joining the staff at Habitat, Green served the organization for nearly 16 years as a volunteer, including many years’ service on the organization’s Board of Directors.  Green is currently Chairperson of the Lee County Horizon Council, and a member of the International Women’s Forum.  In 2008, she was featured as one of Gulfshore Life’s Women of the Year, and was named a 2011 Gulfshore Business “Best Boss.”  A Fort Myers native, Green still lives in that city with her husband Charlie and their twin teenage daughters.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low income families achieve homeownership through the use of zero-interest mortgages, volunteer labor and donor contributions. Habitat has turned over the keys to 1,234 families in Lee and Hendry Counties since 1982.

 

Join us to learn more from Kitty Green at our May chapter luncheon when she discusses how their affiliate implemented a program called Women Build to successfully engage new donors and volunteers in their mission.

"Engaging New Stakeholders for your Organization"

 Tuesday May 28th

11:30am-1pm

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

$20 members  $25 non-members  $10 students

Register today!

Thank you to our sponsor:

Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter Community Connection

Interested in a new way to give back? How about the FPRA Community Connection?

As public relations professionals we have unique strategies and skills that may benefit our area’s non-profit organizations who are facing challenges generating awareness or raising funds.  You can help! 

By giving just a few hours per year of your time, you can be connected to one of our qualifying organizations to consult for advice on implementing a special event, creating a fundraising campaign or helping develop a PR plan.

Pro Bono Consultant requires:

*Minimum three years PR experience

*Three to four hours of your time per year as a pro bono consultant

*A follow up report to the FPRA Board

If you meet the criteria and are interested in giving back in this way, please email Phyllis@pkecreative.com.       

Golden Image info is up!

For information regarding awards, categories, regulations and judging criteria visit our chapters library here for the download!

Register for FPRA's April Webinars: Getting on Board to Do Good

Getting on Board to Do Good: Motivating Employees to Participate in Your Organization's Social Responsibility Programs

April 25, 2013 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST $25 for Members | $75 for Nonmembers Robin Schell, APR More and more decisions about which organizations customers and clients want to do business with is influenced based on the organization's reputation for giving back to society via their social responsibility initiatives. The icing on the cake: organizations that have employees who participate in those initiatives. Turns out they are more satisfied as employees and better ambassadors in general, advocating positively about the organization to family, friends and acquaintances. Learn about the key elements of successful social responsibility programs and hear case examples from companies who have been successful in engaging their employees in those efforts. Robin Schell, APR, is senior Counsel and Partner at Jackson Jackson and Wagner and has been with the firm since 1986. She has over 20 years of public relations consulting experience and specializes in strategic planning, effective internal and external communication, development of constituency relations programs and opinion leader identification programs. She also serves as a Research Director of Dudley Research, the firm's research subsidiary. Schell is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator for clients, professional associations, civic groups and service organizations on a variety of topics. She has also completed a breadth of valuable work for corporations in the utilities, healthcare and other industries. A resident of Amesbury, MA, Schell graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Social Media Corner: Golden Rules of Social Media Marketing

While it is vital that you learn all of the social marketing fundamentals, it is still important to adhere to some important rules that will help you build a foundation and enhance your marketing efforts. One of the biggest rules that experts tend to focus on is listening and reciprocating. Success with social media and content marketing requires less talking and more listening to your target audiences online content. Join discussions, share your information and offer a contribution to others. Remember to keep the lines of communication open both ways and mix up your messaging by using a mixture of offers and entertaining content.  You should expect others to share your content as you share theirs so a portion of your time should focus on sharing and talking about others content. If you cannot bring anything of value to the community, no one will listen, so make sure your comments, suggestions and posts are relevant to the content.

Another “law” that is helpful to abide by is the act of staying patient. Social media and marketing successes do not happen overnight. By building your network gradually, you are staying consistent and not coming across as a spammer. Social media involves a lot of energy, time and creativity so be ready to stay clear and focused on what your objectives are and your marketing efforts will yield positive results.

One last important rule of social media marketing is knowing that it’s not about having a lot of activity on your outlets, but being productive as well. In this case, quality is better than quantity and you should keep it simple. Offer friendly pieces of information instead of having long, non-focused conversations. It’s great to have a large amount of fans and followers, but if there is no value in your content and conversation, it will get you nowhere. Be productive and not noisy, social media is about building relationships and engaging your online influences.

Leveraging the power of social media marketing can help build your target audience and customer base in an extreme way, but getting started without any help or hindsight can be challenging. Social media is a powerful marketing tool so take the time to learn some basic rules before starting your adventure!

May's Chapter Luncheon Guest Speaker Announced!

"Engaging New Stakeholders for your Organization"

Kitty Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, will show how their affiliate implemented a program called Women Build to successfully engage new donors and volunteers in their mission.

More details soon to come!

Local Image Deadline Approaching!

Good Afternoon Members!

We are nearing the deadline to RSVP for the Image Awards, and I would like to extend this invitation to you to join us for this wonderful event that recognizes the hard work of our peers and showcases the programs and activities that they created. This event will be an amazing opportunity to socialize and network with other professionals, while enjoying a delicious menu. We will also announce the winners of the 2013 Conference Scholarship for the FPRA State Conference in August. Even if you did not submit an Image Entry, please join us as we celebrate each other and our profession!  

Register at www.fpraswfl.org by Friday, April 5.

 
Check out the Tasty Menu too!
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Chef's Carving Station Featuring: Beef Tenderloin Croustini (served with chimichuri & croustini)
Hearts of Palm Salad
Cavetelli & Meatballs/Caprese Salad Sticks
Black Pepper Chicken/White Rice/Sesame Cucumber Salad
Dessert: Award-winning Mini Cannolis/Caramel Coconut Clusters/Chocolate Mousse Parfaits
Beverages: Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay & Merlot/Coke, Diet Coke & Sprite/Mineral Water

APR Trivia: April

Question: It costs $385 to apply for Accreditation in Public Relations, but candidates who pass the Readiness Review and written exam are eligible for reimbursements of:

A.     $100 from the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA

B.     $100 from the FPRA state chapter

C.     A and B

D.     None of the above

Answer. C. Successful APR candidates are eligible for $200 in reimbursements, including $100 awards from our local chapter and the state association, thereby bringing down the cost of accreditation to $185.