Congratulations Angie Strait, APR!

Angie Strait has earned the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR). Strait is a public affairs coordinator for the Lee County Port Authority.

To earn accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and a rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

Strait is the fourth member of the FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter to earn the APR credential this year. She joins more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of highly skilled professionals committed to practicing with exemplary ethical standards.

A Cape Coral resident, Strait is a member of the Lee County Port Authority’s public affairs team. Her department is responsible for the promotion of Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field, through media relations and public information/marketing communications, special events, community relations programs, corporate citizenship and employee communications.

Prior to joining the Port Authority, Angie was the watermelon breeding research assistant for Sakata Seed America, Inc., where she was responsible for assisting the watermelon plant breeder with all aspects of their global watermelon research program including product marketing and branding. She has also served as the Michigan State University Extension – Jackson County 4-H Youth Agent and interned at the White House in the President’s photography office.

Upcoming Events

In an effort to help everyone plan for upcoming Chapter events, our leadership team has been hard at work to ensure events are planned ahead of time.


The Fall Quarter includes:
• Friday, September 30, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – PR Pro Bono Day
• Tuesday, October 11, 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monthly Business Meeting - Latest Trends & Tools to Increase Your Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) – A look at QR Codes
• Friday, November 4, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 pm. – PR University
• Friday, December 9, 5 p.m. – 7 pm., Merry Mixer and Auction.

Mind Your P's and Q's at October Luncheon ....purl's and QR Codes that is!

October 11 is going to be one of those meetings you just shouldn't miss! Boris Hughes of Hewlett-Packard will discuss new interactive marketing tools and site case studies and HP campaigns that successfully integrate technology like pURLs, QR codes, Multi Channel Communications, and much more.  Boris has over 15 years of experience in international executive level solutions, strategy and business development. Register today!

Call for Auction Items


On Friday, December 9, the Southwest Florida will host a member mixer in place on the monthly luncheon. The event will feature a beer tasting provided by JJ Taylor and a silent auction to raise funds for the many professional development opportunities our Chapter hosts. We are asking members to help coordinate auction items, so please reach out to the community and your clients and help make this a wonderful event. Contact Carla Ulakovic with any questions.

Membership Renewals

It is that time of year again! As a current FPRA member, you should have received a renewal application in the mail. Renewal Applications should be turned into the state office no later than October 31.

We realize that times are tough for businesses and the SWFL Chapter offers membership scholarships to our valuable membership base. If you are in need of financial assistance, please submit a brief statement to membership chair, Jessica Clark, APR outlining your need and involvement in FPRA for consideration.

Changes in Membership Opportunities: Student-To-Professional Membership

There is a new membership category available for recent college graduates! To help encourage our rising stars to invest in their futures as public relations professionals, the state organization has created the Student-to-Professional Membership.
The Student-to-Professional Membership is available to any person professionally qualified by education, who has graduated within the past 12 months from an accredited college or university with a degree in a related field of public relations/communications, devotes at least 50 percent or more of his/her working time to public relations activities, and pays his/her own dues shall be eligible for the student-to-professional membership.

This membership is available for a maximum of one year from date of joining. Membership applications are available on fpraswfl.org.

Membership survey

On Monday, September 12 the chapter sent out a membership survey. Please take a moment to fill out the short, ten-question survey to better help leadership understand your thoughts on the organization and plan programming for the year: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8MNHF78.

Southwest Florida Named FPRA Chapter of the Year

At the FPRA Annual Conference on August 8th, the Southwest Florida Chapter was recognized as the 2011 FPRA Chapter of the Year by State Association President Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC.

With Katy Perry’s “Firework” blasting through the ballroom and bringing everyone to their feet, twenty-five chapter members worked their way to the stage to accept the award along with Chapter President Pamela Nulman, APR, CPRC.

State Association President Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC cited the following accomplishments of the Southwest Florida Chapter during the past year:

• The Chapter worked as a team to establish a roadmap and set ambitious goals to maximize value for their members including updated Chapter policies, procedures and job descriptions; detailed budgets and financial reporting and an in-depth strategic plan.
• Came together to cover the vacant position of Programs Chair as a team, pitching in to develop program ideas, recruit speakers and deliver 12 months of innovative programming with increased meeting attendance - including the full day PR University and the Annual Media Breakfast.
• Stressed member recognition throughout the year at meetings, in the chapter newsletter and in social media through introduction of board members, recognition of those going above and beyond their duties within the chapter and recognition of those promoting PR in the community. Award programs honoring image winners, newly accredited members, chapter award winners, and special recognition of dedicated long-term board members were also a central focus.
• Pulled together to revamp their Image event at the last minute moving it from an evening to a luncheon program that would still be special and memorable for the members receiving rewards - resulting in a strong turnout of members, bosses and clients.
• Focused on student members, involved senior members and provided opportunities for members at all levels to get involved on committees and participate in networking and community service programs.
• And, they produced and distributed the fabulous Southwest Florida Chapter’s 25th Anniversary book “Rise and Shine”. A project that utilized the skills and resources of 40 contributing members to complete. Most definitely exceeding expectations!
• Finally, the chapter consistently emphasized the “We” - relying on the teamwork of its board and its members to overcome challenges, get creative and produce amazing results.

The Chapter was also recognized for its efforts in Student Development the past year. The Chapter set aggressive goals to increase support to developing future PR professionals, in particular working with the student FPRA Chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University. The Chapter also coordinated the Student Track at the Annual Conference and rein-stated the Chapter Internship Program this past summer.

Presidents Word: One Chapter Ends, Another Begins.

 By: Pamela Nulman, APR, CPRC

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go…


It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.


- Green Day



As I write my final President’s Word and look back on my year as president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association I can’t help but get a little emotional when I think about everything our chapter has accomplished in the past 12 months. I can’t thank our leadership team enough for its dedication and passion, as well as our membership as a whole which continues to remain strong and dedicated to giving back to our community and strengthening our profession.

As this chapter in my life closes and another begins, I thought I’d share my top 10 favorite FPRA memories and “takeaways” as president.

1. During our leadership team kick-off retreat trying to guess which baby pictures belonged to our new leadership team members. It’s amazing how many of us were clearly destined to be “PR stars” even in our earliest years. Takeaway: Success starts with a strong foundation.

2. Attending our first state association board meeting and getting to share the excitement and stress of beginning our year with other presidents from around the state. We found out we all shared an equal amount of fear, but were there for each other. Takeaway: A strong, supportive network is critical to success.

3. We held our first board meetings ever via conference call this year. Takeaway: Technology can be our friend and make our lives easier.

4. While in the hospital over the Christmas holiday many of my “FPRA” friends stopped in to visit, sent flowers and one even brought me a Christmas outfit to wear – Santa socks! Takeaway: You can never have enough friends and they will always exceed your expectations and surprise you.

5. Incoming President-Elect Carla Ulakovic stepped up to the plate and coordinated the January mixer and led the February business meeting when I was ill and couldn’t attend the events. Takeaway: Always have a wing man (or woman in this case). Trust them - they have your back.

6. Our annual community PR Pro Bono Day is still one of my favorite FPRA events and our special projects team did a phenomenal job on this year’s event, with some 75 community leaders in attendance. Takeaway: We have a responsibility to always give back.

7. If you want things to run by the book, involve Kate Gooderham, APR, CPRC; if you want them to run on time (or even finish early) seek out Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC; and if you want to put on an elegant event with just a dash of spice, call Ginny Cooper. Takeway: Know where talent lies and embrace it.

8. Compiling the Chapter notebook to document our Chapter’s history this past year was a painful and time consuming process, but when completed I couldn’t help but be proud of everything we accomplished. Takeaway: Measurement always matters! Just do it!

9. Watching my husband put together “thank you” and “fundraising” baskets, chauffeuring me to meetings when I couldn’t drive, attending FPRA events and repeatedly loading my car with FPRA meeting materials. Takeaway: Never forget your family is in this with you. Take care of them and thank them often for their support.

10. Being recognized as “Chapter of the Year” at this year’s state conference was definitely a highlight of my career. Thanks to every one of our FPRA members for making it happen. Takeaway: FPRA rocks!

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president and for a terrific FPRA year. I have had the time of my life.

-Pam