August APR Trivia

Question: Which is NOT a KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) competency measured on the written exam for Accreditation in Public Relations?

A.    Media Relations

B.     Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluating Programs

C.     Social Media

D.    Business Literacy

Answer: C. Social Media. This is an important communications medium and public relations tactic, but not a KSA evaluated on the exam.

August President's Word

Hello fellow PR Professionals,
It’s with happiness and sadness that I write this last newsletter article. It’s been my honor to serve as your President for the last year and as I look ahead at the activities to come I’m excited for what the future holds. The 2013-2014 year has been a busy one with many activities, new members joining the fold and even new babies! We never can foresee the future and I certainly had no idea how the year would turn out, but in reflection, I couldn’t have asked for more. Each member of the board and leadership team has done an outstanding job. For that, I thank you. This has truly been a team effort and what a great team of leaders this chapter has! Speaking of which, prepare for an even more amazing year as Heidi Taulman, APR prepares to take the reigns. Our Chapter Member of the Year, I have no doubt she will lead this chapter well and represent each of you to the best of her ability. Thank you for being a member of the Southwest Florida chapter of FPRA and for what you bring to our profession. Thank you for the trust you placed in me to lead this organization and for the friendship you’ve extended this year. I treasure the experience and each of you. For those of you attending Annual Conference, I will see you soon and don’t forget to - Think FPRA!

Samantha Scott, APR

August Social Media Corner

Boost engagement with help from these free stock photo resources

It’s no secret that adding a photo to a Facebook post will strengthen engagement with followers. Posts with an eye-catching photo have a higher chance of scoring likes, comments, or shares and with the Facebook interface being simple enough to add images, why not use them?   Sometimes there isn’t a photo readily available in your stash for whatever message you’re sharing so there may be occasions where help is needed. 

In a recent article by Ragan.com, some of the best sites are provided that offer free media files to help with any marketing initiative including blog posts and social updates. 

We’ve included the article in this month’s social media corner as it’s an excellent resource and provides access to 39 websites that may be able to help you boost your engagement.

Check out the article at:

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/48581.aspx

Meet the Panelist: Vicki Collins, Community Relations Director/Public Relations Officer, Lee County Supervisor of Elections

239-533-6335

vcollins@leeelections.com

Vicki Collins is the Community Relations Director and Public Information Officer for the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office.  Her initiation into Major elections began with the 2000 Presidential Election and the infamous hanging, dimpled, and pregnant chads. 

Vicki has been a member of the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA since 2006, has served on the Board and assisted the Chapter in various capacities.  She received the chapter’s Rising Star Award in 2008.

Vicki is happily married, the mother of three wonderful adult children, and the blessed grandmother of two precious granddaughters.  She practices yoga & meditation, is an avid reader, and a notorious knitter!

Meet the Panelist: Trish Robertson, Election Communications Coordinator, Collier County Supervisor of Elections

W: (239) 252-8052
C: (772) 538-2157
TrishRobertson@colliergov.net

Trish Robertson is the Election Communications Coordinator for the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office. The Communications Coordinator maintains working knowledge of Federal and State Election Laws and internal practices and procedures serving as a supportive role to the entire Elections Office. Trish creates, manages and distributes communications for the Elections Office through various media outlets, office publications and social media channels. Additionally, she works closely with the Training and Voter Outreach Departments assisting in the development and execution of election worker recruitment strategies, election worker trainings, and assisting with voter education and outreach.

Trish is a proud member of the Florida Gulf Coast University alumni where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude in Communications with a concentration on Public Relations.

Trish is an active member of the Southwest Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and has served on the Leadership Team for the past two years. She is currently serving as the VP of Communications and was the Co-chair for Public Relations University 2013.

In her free time, Trish volunteers as a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 100 and enjoys gardening and DIY projects.