Local Image Awards 2011

This month, the Local Image 2011 team wants you to really explore some of the categories you can enter. Most people think of the big stuff – promotional/marketing campaigns, special events, internal campaigns, etc. But you may not realize that you can also enter a poster or calendar, news release, written speech, specialty item, electronic communications (including blogs, e-mail, newsletters and surveys), brochure, website or even a presentation.

We point this out because the feedback from many people on why they don’t enter is because the process is difficult and time-consuming…and yes, it can be challenging for large-scale projects. But you can also break larger projects up into small, more manageable pieces. Since most of these projects are smaller in scope, entering your work in the “tools of the trade” categories B and C may be less overwhelming, especially to someone who has never submitted anything. This may end up being your formula for success!

So, think about all the categories when looking over your project list and see what sparks your imagination!

Note to students Students can enter a written speech, news release, position paper or computer-generated communication like a website or PowerPoint. You can also enter any other category in the other professional divisions if you have something that doesn’t fit in the student division. Just think how great it would be to tell future interviewers that part of your body of work won an award at a local, or possibly state level. That would definitely set you apart from the crowd and help jump-start your career!

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Pablo Picasso

Member Spotlight: Victoria B. Moreland

Victoria B. Moreland joined the Lee County Port Authority as the department director of public affairs in May 2007. The public affairs department is responsible for the promotion of Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field General Aviation Airport though media relations and public information/marketing communications including special events, community relations programs, corporate citizenship and employee communications. The department also oversees the production of advertising and promotional materials, manages the Art in Flight program and maintains the airport's Web site.

Moreland has 34 years of experience in the aviation industry. Prior to joining the Port Authority, Moreland was the Vice President of Planning with Spirit Airlines. She has held senior management positions in marketing, public relations, airport administration, government affairs, route selection and strategic planning for Spirit Airlines, Emerald Airlines and Air New England.

Moreland is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). She served on the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA board as treasurer from 2007-2009 and as team leader of the Local Image Awards in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Moreland was awarded the 2010 Chapter Member of the Year from the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA for her work and contribution to the chapter.

Counselors’ Network Winter Symposium set to be magical

This year’s Counselors’ Network Winter Symposium is being held January 20-22, 2011 at the spectacular Lowe’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios in Orlando. While speakers are still being confirmed, a behind the scenes peek into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rumored to be on the agenda.

Hotel reservations must be made by December 30th, 2010 to obtain a magically low rate secured for this event. Call: (866) 360-7395.

Counselors’ Network is currently open to any Universally Accredited member in good standing of FPRA who is actively engaged in providing counseling service, either as a full-time principal, officer, partner, or employee of a public relations firm, corporation, organization, or agency, and who has been in a counseling capacity for at least three years and has ten years of public relations experience.

Take note though, beginning November 1, 2011, membership in Counselors’ Network will be restricted to FPRA members who are CPRC’s (Certified Public Relations Counselors). Now may be the perfect time to pursue this additional level of credentialing for PR professionals. Contact credentialing co-chairs Mary Briggs at mary@briggsrogers.com or Kara Winton at pkwinton@comcast.net to learn more about the CPRC process.

December Tidbits

Have a PR Tip to Share?

Whether you’ve been in the public relations field for one year or 30; you have a resource tip that is invaluable. Generally it is a website, but it may be a free application; a social media group, page, or hint; a book or other resource. We would like share one or two tips a month with members in “Tidbits”. Send your tidbits to Kate Gooderham and please mark that they are tidbits.

Tidbit 1 - Submitted by Karen Ryan, APR, CPRC

www.FreePressRelease.com provides permanent hosting of your media releases absolutely free! Please note that the free service, as with many free posting services, include advertisements posted on your media release and you have no choice of the products or services that are advertised. You can, for a fee, enroll in the Add Eliminator Unlimited Plan. Even if you don’t post a release, there are great media release tips on the site.

Want to have your media release evaluated for marketing effectiveness? Visit www.pressrelease.grader.com

Tidbit 2 - Submitted by Laura Puerto

Two words can save you time, stress and money! That’s right! Google Alerts allow you to stay on top of just about anything your heart desires. These e-mail alerts are simple to set up and are free! Based on your topic(s), Google Alerts can track the web, blogs and more on a once-a-day, once-a-week or as-it-happens basis. Google Alerts make tracking media impressions, keeping tabs on the competition or just hearing the latest gossip on your favorite star a snap! To sign up, visit http://www.google.com/alerts.

Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events 2011 

In the coming year give yourself the gift of enhancing your skills and expanding your professional network. Add participating in the numerous FPRA opportunities available in 2011 to your New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store.

Internship Opportunity

BIG ARTS Sanibel is looking for a part-time intern for its Marketing Department. Marketing duties can be tailored to the applicant’s strengths, however, we are in need of help with press releases, feature articles, photography and graphic support. Prefer experience working with Photoshop and InDesign. We are looking for someone to work 10 to 20 hours. Learn more about us at www.bigarts.org Contact: Cathy Paus Marketing and Creative Director. Email: cpaus@bigarts.org Phone: 239-472-9705

President's Word

The New Black: Personal Relationships
By: Pam Nulman, APR, CPRC

Personal relationships are back in vogue. That’s right. The old-fashioned face-to-face, let’s get together and talk in person or via phone type of relationship. 

No, it’s not time to give up your smart phone or iPad, but it is time to set them aside occasionally, disconnect digitally, and dive in for some direct human interaction. 

In the recent 2010 Happiness Survey conducted in 16 countries (including the U.S.), 40% of those surveyed said catching up with loved ones at the end of a work day was the happiest time of their day.  Conversely, only 5% said they were happiest when connecting with friends online.

The latest wave of building relationships online...is to take them offline.  Tweetups, Meetups, and special events solely for niche online communities are mushrooming as we build relationships online and then over time start feeling the need to meet our “digital” friends and get to know them on a more personal level.   “Putting faces with names” as we used to say in the pre-social media age. 

We recently spent a full day at PR University in Southwest Florida, embracing the power of personal relationships and by extension – networking for success.  We’ve captured the thoughts of outstanding speakers Andy Robinson, Greta Schulz and Josh Hallett, amongst many others, on our FPRASWFLBLOG.  It wasn’t just the power of the speakers that drove home the importance of personal relationships, it was also the personal connections with fellow PR and marketing professionals that day.  I know of job opportunities discussed, possible leads on new clients, and ideas shared on engaging the next generation of PR leaders throughout the day. 

Still questioning the validity of personal relationships in our digitially-driven age?  In a 2009 survey conducted by Harvard Business Review, almost 95% of those surveyed said “face-to-face meetings” are critical to successful long term relationships.

One way to build personal relationships is to join, and become actively involved with, a professional trade organization.  In Southwest Florida, the Florida Public Relations Association has been providing professional development and networking opportunities to public relations and marketing professionals for more than 25 years. If you're not a member, I invite you to join.  If you are a member, I hope you are using the resources of the organization to power your success.  

Get in style. Get personal.