The monthly newsletter for the
Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA - March 2007

March Meeting Preview
Half Moone Rises -
the new Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center

Speaker: Stephen E. Kirkland, Manager Cruise Operations and Marketing

Big changes are coming to Norfolk's downtown skyline in April as the nation's newest and most state-of-the-art cruise facility opens its doors. Named for a 17th century fort "built in the shape of a half moone," the $36 million Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center will spotlight Norfolk's rich maritime history and position Virginia as a true gateway for cruise ship passengers. The 80,000-square-foot facility is located adjacent to Nauticus and its existing cruise ship pier, and will include dramatic views of the Elizabeth River and downtown Norfolk.

The Half Moone's cruise operations/marketing manager Stephen Kirkland will give us insight into the cruise ship industry and a preview of the newest addition to the downtown Norfolk waterfront.

Interested in doing some volunteer PR for a non-profit organization?

The Public Service committee will be working with EQUI-KIDS, a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program that is looking for some PR work. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Meredith Mobley at meredith.mobley@forrent.com.

Need an intern? Save the date!

If you ever fantasized about being a judge on American Idol or America's Next Top Model, then you don't want to miss the April 4 PRSAHR meeting at the brand new, upscale Embassy Suites in Hampton! Hampton University PRSSA members will "audition" for the coveted "Hampton Roads Next Top Interns." PRSA members who have internship positions to offer this summer or next fall at their workplaces can serve as judges. Judges must be able to attend the April meeting to choose the Hampton Roads Next Top Interns by matching PRSSA members to available internships right on the spot!

Members who are willing to serve as judges are asked to contact Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck at 727-5622 or via e-mail at rosalynne.whitaker-heck@hamptonu.edu for more details.

PRSA National may be coming to town!
Find out about that and much more on PRSA Hampton Roads president Becky Lawson's blog by clicking here!

More News From National

Save $65 on new memberships in February and March!
Become a member and save with a "Taste of PRSA" promotion. Join National PRSA for $225 in February or March 2007 and National will waive the $65 initiation fee! For more information about membership in either National PRSA or our local chapter (local dues are additional), please contact either membership co-chair Jennie Burge at jennie.burge@cox.net or Christine Dwyer at cdwyer@cbh.com. Membership information is also available online at www.prsahr.org.

Joint PRSSA/PRSA Associate Membership now available
A recent PRSA bylaw amendment will allow PRSSA members to obtain joint membership in both PRSSA and PRSA up to five months before graduation. The goal of this new amendment is to help graduating seniors make an easier transition from PRSSA to PRSA membership.

“Graduating seniors who obtain dual-membership will still have access to all of PRSSA’s resources, such as JobCenter and PRSSA scholarships, but will also be able to participate in PRSA Chapter activities and gain access to PRSA benefits,” said Kimberly Gouz, PRSSA national vice president of member services. “Affiliation with PRSA allows these students to begin networking with both new and seasoned professionals who can mentor them and provide valuable insight.”

PRSA associate membership will be granted to applicants who are in good standing with PRSSA and are at least five months from graduating. Membership will be good for two years for a fee of $60. After two years, the PRSA associate member will be automatically upgraded to member.

Students interested in applying for associate membership can contact PRSA/PRSSA headquarters by phone at (212) 460-1474 or by e-mail at prssa@prsa.org.

2007 Association of Fundraising Professionals - Hampton Roads Charter Day
Thursday, April 26, 2007
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

"Marketing Your Mission: Creative Ways to Cultivate Donors Through Strategic Marketing!"

Presented by Dave Iwans

WHRO 5200 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk

Cost:
AFP & PRSAHR Members: $30
Non-Members: $45

Fee includes breakfast and a full morning of intensive Dave Iwans!

Register online at http://www.afp-hr.org/index.htm by March 15, 2007. For information email: debbie.eliason@whro.org or call (757) 889-9477.

Web bits
Here are a few helpful Web sites recommended by PRSA HR members:

No AP Stylebook in sight and need a quick grammar check? Check out http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp.

Learn about trends in on-demand media from http://www.arbitron.com/downloads/im2006pres.pdf.

Looking for freelance opportunities? Visit http://www.elance.com.

Need to make a huge impact during your next campaign? http://www.greatbigstuff.com/ has tons of giant promotional items.

Get Organized in 2007 - Quick Tips on Organizing Your Office:

Sticky notes jog the memory
When paper related issues can't be resolved right way, attach a sticky note to the paper in order to track current status. It acts as a quick reminder about any actions previously taken so you can quickly pick up where you left off. Interestingly enough, the first color sticky notes were available in was yellow, a color known to stimulate the mind/memory!

Purging for 'fraidy-cats'
If you keep every paper that enters your home because you're afraid you might need it someday, here's a way to ease the fear. Designate a temporary holding tank, a box or bin for papers you don't need, which you'll dump once a month. Knowing that these papers won't be tossed immediately and will be there 'just in case', lessens the anxiety of letting them go.

Clear blotter/clear desk
If you have lists (phone numbers, procedures, etc.) you need to refer to often, consider placing them on your desk under a clear blotter. This is also a good place to keep photos of loved ones without taking up valuable desktop space. Best of all, it will encourage you to keep your desktop clutter-free so you actually see your lists and photos!

Source: © Copyright 2007 by Hellen Buttigieg, We Organize U. Reprinted with permission from the We Organize U Newsletter. http://www.weorganizeu.com

Smile!

Putting a face with a name is easier than ever with PRSA Hampton Roads' online membership directory, complete with members' contact information and photos. Don't have a headshot? Don't worry-- have your picture taken at an upcoming chapter meeting! Plus, if you get your picture taken, you can enter to win 50% off the registration fee for the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting!

If you do have a photo that you would like to submit for the directory, please e-mail it to webmaster@prsahr.org

Treasurer's Report- January 2007
Harry Kenyon,APR, Treasurer
January Income: $1,554.64
January Expenses: $2,328.33
Year-to-date Income: $1,554.64
Year-to-date Expenses: $2,328.33
Total Assets: $12,266.89

Deadline for submissions for
the April issue of News & Views is
March 7, 2007.

News & Views is published monthly for members of the
Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA.

Feedback please! Your opinions are important. Please e-mail questions, comments, suggestions, story ideas or concerns about News & Views to Jennie Burge.

Miss an issue? Visit our archives collection.

Listings for the job bank should be sent to Karen King, APR.

Changes in membership information should be made in the Chapter's online Membership Directory.