FPRA Member’s Only Tour -- Airport Crisis Planning

By Barbara-Anne Urrutia

bsurrutia@flylcpa.com

“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.”- Denis Waitley

Join us for an insider’s look at Southwest Florida International Airport on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Lee County Port Authority public affairs team will discuss their Crisis Plan, Go Kits and offer useful information that will help you think about your own company’s or client’s plan. You need to have a crisis plan in place, practice it occasionally – and hope you never have to use it! But, starting is half the battle.

Then, you will get an opportunity to visit the Airport Command Center (emergency operations center at RSW), meet an Airport Police Department K-9 Bomb Detection Team and get a special airside view and demonstration of our firefighting equipment at the Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting station. To wrap up the day, you will get a chance to see and learn about the Region 6 Mobile JIC, an important resource in our region.

The cost is $15 and the tour will be limited to 20 members, so sign up now.  Breakfast will be served and parking will be complimentary. Hope you can make it!

President's Word: Professional Development

By Carla Ulakovic
carla.ulakovic@gmail.com

Professional Development is one of the key reasons a majority of us are members in the Florida Public Relations Association.  From networking at an event to monthly luncheons and annual seminars, the SWFL FPRA Chapter strives to create an environment that not only nurtures relationships, but one which also assists in enhancing our skills and recognizes our outstanding members. 

This year, as a team, we have focused on developing programming based on member suggestions. We have strengthened our dedication to helping candidates achieve APR/CPRC accreditation. And most importantly have worked to return value to your membership by engaging new members from the starting line and creating member-only events.

Soon we will be sending out a member survey to gauge the programs we have conducted this year and map out where membership as a whole feels we should focus in the coming year.  Please keep an eye on your e-mails, as the short survey will be landing this month and your opinion truly matters!

Next Lunch: Social Media Marketing

Gail M. Dolan, Media Relations Chair

Gail@DolanMarketing.com

There is no question that businesses and organizations should be utilizing social media in their overall marketing strategy, but it often leads to many questions. The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), Southwest Florida Chapter welcomes the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau's (VCB) marketing team on August 14 to guide us through social media marketing for businesses.

Laura Chmielewski, marketing director, and Katie Meckley, marketing coordinator, will share tips and insights into how the VCB uses social media to enhance its marketing efforts, demonstrating tips on what has worked, what hasn't, and ways to make social marketing easier.

The monthly luncheon and program will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater located at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33907.

The cost to attend the luncheon meeting is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $10 for students with advance reservations. Walk-ins are welcome for an additional fee of $5. For reservations or more information, please visit http://www.fpraswfl.org.

APR Trivia - July

Q: What is the name of the accrediting body that bestows the APR honors?

A: The Universal Accreditation Board. (Some people mistakenly think it is FPRA or PRSA, but the UAB is an international accrediting body supported by 10 member organizations, including FPRA.)