| The monthly newsletter for the Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA |
February 2010 |
Save the Date
PRSA HR--February Meeting
Give us a W. Give us an I. Give us an N. Give us a WIN!
Meet the winning team behind the winning Old Dominion University football team
Wednesday, February 3
11:00 a.m. - Networking and registration
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and program
Town Center City Club
222 Central Park Ave # 230
Virginia Beach, VA 23462-3024
Cost:
$35 members and military
$45 guests
$25 students
Registration Deadline: January 29, 5 p.m.
While most organizations struggled through 2009, it was a very good year for the launch of a brand-new football program at Old Dominion University. In a year when it seems no one was buying, the athletic program was able to sell out everything - 26 suites, 400 club seats, season tickets and student tickets. With a new stadium and a capacity crowd of nearly 20,000 for each of the seven home games, ODU was ranked number 5 nationally for attendance in the FCS. For icing on the cake, the team posted a record winning season (9-2) for a start-up program. "We couldn't have scripted it any better," said Mark Benson, Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development. "Even the weather cooperated." If the season appeared to be a flawless execution of a well-researched plan, that's because it was. You can learn all about it February 3 at the next meeting of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, held at the Town Center City Club in Virginia Beach. Benson, accompanied by Debbie White, Senior Associate Athletic Director, will discuss the years of research and the strategies that went into the launch of this successful program. We'll also learn about their plans for where to go from here - and the role of social media in their fundraising and marketing program. Don't miss this chance to gain some insight into how to create your own winning plans.  |
A message from the President By Mindy Hughes, APR
 Dear PRSA Colleagues:
No matter where you fall on the income scale, chances are you're always on the lookout for a good value. In these economic times, you (or your boss) may be asking, "What's the value of PRSA membership?"
For me and for many other practitioners, this is an easy question to answer. The networking and professional development opportunities, plus the chance to help students and young professionals, have all been very rewarding over my 20+ years of membership.
Recently, I came across a discussion on a LinkedIn group where a new PRSA member asked how she could make the most of her membership. She received plenty of great advice that I'm passing along to you - advice for both new and seasoned practitioners.
1. Take advantage of our chapter's learning and networking opportunities. And if you have an idea for a program topic, speaker or event, please share it with me or one of our board members.
2. Get involved, locally and beyond. Like anything, you get out of PRSA what you put into it. Locally, you can work with one of several committees. We have opportunities on Programs, Professional Development, Awards, Public Service, Member Socials and more. On a national level, consider joining one of PRSA's Professional Interest sections. Section membership is an additional cost, but you get extra programming and resources specific to your industry.
3. Pursue APR status, which helps establish you professionally and rounds out your capabilities, understanding and esteem. The accreditation process takes you beyond the immediate focus of your current position, providing a solid platform for future growth and development.
4. None of us probably needs more emails, but do make sure you're signed up to receive e-mail updates from PRSA National. They'll keep you informed of current trends, interesting news and case studies, as well as professional development teleseminars and webinars (some are FREE).
We have plenty of real-life examples from our chapter of how PRSA has helped members. Be sure to read Courtney Anderson's article in this issue. Courtney shares a compelling testimonial of how she utilized PRSA to help her find a new job.
How can PRSA help you? Our board members and committee chairs are ready to serve. Just let us know.
Best regards,
Mindy
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Alicia Braxton
Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance
Janet A. Krenn
Sea Grant Communicator
Virginia Sea Grant
Amber Lee Gwaltney
Membership Manager
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads
Mary Ellen Swetits
Account Executive
Rhodes Communications
Herlinda Katherine Sweeney, APR
Officer-in-Charge
Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East |
PRSA - The Value of NetworkingBy Courtney Anderson In this difficult economic climate, companies and individuals are looking to cut costs in all areas - which begs the question if PRSA membership offers a high enough ROI to justify the financial commitment.
So does it? Absolutely!
I joined PRSA in 2008 but wasn't active in the organization - only attending the occasional event. Then the unfortunate happened - my position was eliminated when the company I worked for was acquired by a much larger organization. I started attending all PRSA events and networking with members. I conducted several informational interviews and connected with members' connections via LinkedIn. PRSA board member Meredith Mobley sent me the announcement for an open position at her employer - For Rent Media Solutions - as an e-mail marketing analyst. After multiple interviews and a writing sample, I was offered the position. I will begin my new job this month.
Finding a new position would have been much harder without the contacts I established through PRSA. Even if you are not looking for a new job - the PRSAHR Chapter offers great programming and a chance to network with fellow communications professionals. The best time to cultivate your professional network is NOW - before you need it! So make the most of your membership. If you are not a member, consider joining, and if you are a member, let's reconnect. PRSA is what you make it - you must invest your time and energy to reap the rewards. |
Chapter Pinnacle Awards - Call for Entries
Each year, the Pinnacle Awards recognize the best public relations practices and tactics in the Hampton Roads region. The program is open to PRSA members and to non-members as well. There are two main categories for the Pinnacle competition: 1) Public Relations Tactics and 2) Public Relations Practices. Within each category there are several categories for entry, including a couple of new categories this year. Entries are divided by budget - $3,500 and above and $3,499 and below. Public relations professionals can also nominate others or themselves for two other awards: Public Relations Professional of the Year and Rising Star.
Early deadline for entries is February 12. Deadline for late entries is February 19.
See www.prsahr.org for more information or contact Awards Committee Co-Chairs Ron Kuhlman and Elizabeth Dyer .
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January Meeting Kicks Things Off for an Exciting New Year
January's meeting got everyone's motor running for a successful 2010. Held at Beach Ford, the meeting offered an insightful look into PR for the automotive industry and highlighted how networking through PRSA really does pay off. Several members even brought their college-student children to help them launch their PR career. Take a look at the recap below.
President, Mindy Hughes, APR, present Past-President, Harry Kenyon, APR, with a gift for his service to the chapter.
Bob Barton, Vice President of Beach Ford, was there to greet us and to introduce our speaker.
Sean Brickell, APR, Fellow PRSA, was the key-note speaker. He gave members an insightful look into what happened to the automotive industry over the past year and what tasks PR professionals faced in the aftermath of the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies. |
Accreditation Sets You Apart
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a symbol of professionalism that demonstrates your achievement in and dedication to public relations. The Hampton Roads PRSA chapter has made a commitment to help candidates pursue accreditation and pass the required readiness review and online examination.
Knowing what's expected, getting organized, studying the right materials and following the right process - this is the best way to earn the APR credential, and we're ready to help if you're ready to start.
If you're considering accreditation, please contact Sid Bridge by January 29.
To learn more about accreditation, visit www.prsahr.org/accred.shtml
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FREE Training from PRSA
PRSA Free Webinar Sponsored by Cision.
How to Break Down Walls and Strike a Balance Between All of Your Online Lives
Finding the Perfect Social Media and Communication Blend
FREE Webinar, Tuesday, January 19
3-4 p.m. EST
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