Don't forget to renew your membership! 5 reasons you should register today!

Membership Renewal Deadline 12/31!

Attention all non-renewed members, the renewal deadline (12/31/12) is QUICKLY approaching! If you haven't done so yet, let me give you a few reasons to take care of it:

1. You can do it online - www.fpra.org!
2. You'll avoid paying the $25 late fee!
3. You must renew by December 31st to be included in the printed 75th Anniversary Membership Directory. 
4. If you have your APR, you can no longer use that designation if you don't maintain membership in one of the UAB organizations.
5. You'll miss out on all the awesome perks of SWFL chapter membership!

Have questions or need help? Contact Samantha Scott, APR at samantha@getpushing.com.

2012 Merry Mixer Recap

As we begin our journey into the holiday season, many would probably consider our chapter’s Merry Mixer as a kick-off to this year’s holiday party season!

Last Thursday evening, the Art of the Olympian’s lobby was filled with auction items, good food and smiles from an attendee population that seemed to have tripled from last year’s event. And if you stayed after the auction, you may have even been able to catch a little dancing from our chapter president…Some attendees this year had all the luck during the Chinese auction raffle! With items from hand-crafted wreaths to end zone Everblades tickets, each donated item from local companies and individuals will be sure to make someone’s holiday season bright! 

  

We raised approximately $1,900 in profit at this year's mixer.  This money will help support student engagement, scholarship opportunities and professional development for the members of the Southwest Chapter!

Thank you to Jessica Clark APR and to all of the leadership team  for assisting with the event. And another huge thank you to our wonderful and very appreciated sponsors:  LCEC, Shell Point Retirement Community, Flame Productions, Charlotte Behavioral Healthcare, JJ Taylor, Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, Costco Wholesale, Jack & Michael Elias, Inc, New Beginnings Entertainment, Art of the Olympians, and Riversedge Lifestyle Photography.

 

APR credentialing classes are coming up soon!

2013 APR study sessions set to begin with informational meeting 

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Are you interested in pursuing Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)? Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2013 for an informational meeting. We will talk about the accreditation process and discuss the next round of study sessions set to begin in February. We’ll poll those in attendance for the best days/times for everyone involved and plot a course for you to pass the exam and earn those coveted initials – APR!

Mark your calendars now: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16. If you are interested in attending, please email me and I will let you know the location of the meeting. Or if you have questions, please feel free to email me as well.

Kara Winton, APR, CPRC

Credentialing Chair

You're Invited!

To PRSA's Gulfcoast Chapter Holiday Mixer

Wednesday, December 5th
The Hilton Naples - Holiday Lobby Bar
5:30 - 7:30 PM  (come anytime)
$15 for appetizers and first drink

Bring a book for kids at Grace Place  - Early Readers from Pre-K to 3rd Grade and Toddler Board Books.

 

 

 

 

Save the Date for FPRA Conference 2013!

FPRA Conference 2013!

Mark your calendars to attend the FPRA State Conference from August 4-7, 2013 in St. Petersburg Florida.  The conference this year will celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of FPRA at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, and rooms will be $139 a night plus tax.  The cost for conference this year will be $695 for members who sign up before July 20, 2013.  After that date, members will pay $775.  The conference cost for non-members is $900 before July 20, and $925 after July 20.  Stay tuned for more details about this exciting event as we get closer to the date!

President's Word

I still can’t believe we are nearing the end of the year 2012!   Each year seems to go faster and faster.  I am sure most of you are in the holiday mindset, with Thanksgiving last week and Christmas right around the corner.  This is the time of year where we usually stop and reflect on what we are thankful for and spend time with loved ones or help others in need.  As PR professionals, our schedules are always full with events, networking, media relations, programs, and more, so it is nice to know we have a time of year to stop and look at all the great things we have in our lives.  I am thankful all year for so many things: my family, my friends, my job.  But I also want to say how thankful I am for FPRA, because this great organization has helped me accomplish so many thing professionally, receiving my APR and learning about the position I have here at Shell Point.  It has also brought me some of my closest friends, people that I may have met in passing at events, but have truly gotten to know through our FPRA connection.  In many cases, our families spend time together outside of work.  So, even though I should try to think of my blessings throughout the year, I am glad there is a time that makes me stop and really recognize the important things in life, and I would like to say that I am thankful for each and every one of you!  I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season!

I can't live without...

 Apple iPad
 By: Jessica Clark, APR

This year I purchased an Apple iPad, and I am so glad that I did.  I have had an iPhone for a few years now, and rely on it for so many things regarding my personal and professional schedule.  So I knew that I loved the platforms, apps, and programs that were part of the Apple products.  

One of the main reasons I purchased the iPad was to use as a mini-computer in meetings.  I was always carrying my large laptop to every meeting to take notes and to access the internet, and it was such a cumbersome thing to have.  Now with my iPad, I can carry it in my purse, and I have a cover that contains a keyboard, so I can use it as a computer in meetings.   I purchased a few special programs that assist in my needs with the creation of and storage of documents, and those help with my record keeping.  The keyboard operates as a blue tooth, so I can have the keyboard out of the cover and on the desk closer to me without wires or worrying about connections.  And being able to access the internet in meeting areas and hotels has been great as well.  

I guess you could say I love Apple, as I use both my phone and my iPad to email, keep my calendar, store and take photos, keep up on social media, and more.  Plus, the entertainment and game apps are always handy when you are in a waiting room or have down time.