Monday, February 20, 2012

Image Workshop Recap


By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com


On January 24, several Chapter members offered there help in decoding the Image entry process during a free workshop for our members.
Some tips from our local Image pros:
  • Be sure to review the Call for Entries carefully - there are some changes to categories this year.
  • Remember the devil is in the details - be sure to use the checklist and proofread your work.
  • Don't be shy - ask for help!

Web Site Revamp


By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com

The Southwest Florida Chapter is making the most of its technology resources and will be undertaking web site redesign later this year. The goal is to provide a simple, sleek interface that is easy to navigate and that can provide additional education resources to our members. If you have suggestions for the new web site, please email V.P. of Communications Kirsten O’Donnell.

News from State


By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com

Each Quarter Chapter Presidents and President-Elects attend a FPRA State Board meeting to discuss FPRA business, events, programs and future opportunities. The second quarterly meeting was held on February 10-11 in Destin. Here is a look at what was discussed and what’s ahead:
·         At 76 percent, the state organization was just shy of reaching its 80 percent renewal goal for the year.  However, four Chapters met their renewal goal and were recognized at the state board meeting – the Southwest Florida Chapter was one of them!
·         Statewide the organization has added seven new APR’s and seven more are cleared to take the test.  Three people have passed the CPRC and two more are scheduled to take it. FPRA’s pass rate is up to 78 percent whereas two years ago the organization had the lowest pass rate.
·         There is a new accreditation on the horizon designed for students or new graduates.
·         The southwest Florida chapter leadership was the first to answer a call for donations to kick off the FPRE Foundation “Every Member Campaign’’. State is asking that each member donate $25 to help raise $25,000 for the Foundation by May 1. You will be receiving more information from State regarding the campaign.

President’s Word: Appreciation, Value and You


By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com

February marks a time in each year where we can stop and show appreciation and value for those who are nearest and dearest to us. (And with this being Leap Year, who doesn’t appreciate the extra day to work on an Image entry?)

Every one of our activities – from meetings to special events to student chapter activities – provides value to our members and our members provide value to these programs.

We strive, both locally and at the state level, to provide value to our members through a broad range of tools and programs. Please, take a moment and examine the member section and the listed resources on both our local and state websites. Did you know that on the state web site you can view the two-page summaries of previous Image Award winners or that you can view the complete member directory and personalize your listing with a headshot?

One of the best ways to get good value out of your membership is to get involved! Our programs need people to help make them a success. Involvement is a wonderful way to get acquainted and with various levels of commitment, there is literally something to fit every schedule.

Next Lunch: Events, Publicity and Having A Plan

By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com


Our next luncheon will take place at Harborside Events Center in downtown Fort Myers on  Tuesday, March 6.  We will welcome Rose Rundle, General Manager of the Harborside Event Center, as she speaks on Events, Publicity and Creating A Plan. Rundle will share insights in executing flawless and successful events from event production, committee management and working with or against challenging community calendars and projects.  Rundle will be joined by Don Paight, Executive Director of the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency to touch on the upcoming canal project in downtown Fort Myers and how it relates to events in the area.

An optional walking tour of downtown Fort Myers will follow the luncheon and will showcase historical views and future plans for the River District.  For more details and to register, click here .

The 74th Annual State Conference Theme Announced!

By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com

Join fellow FPRA members in discovering a "Treasure Trove of PR Strategies and Tactics" in St. Augustine from Aug. 5-8, 2012, at the Renaissance Resort at World Village Golf.

A sampling of this year's treasured speakers:

General Session: David Griffin and Rhonda Barnat, Managing Directors at Abernathy McGregor in New York.
Breakout Speakers: Steve Momorella and April Schroeder of Marketing Mud

Please be sure to check the state web site (fpra.org) regularly for updated conference information.