The monthly newsletter for the
Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA - November 2006

November Meeting

When and How To Do Market Research

On November 1, we will be "researching" with Nanci Glassman from Continental Research. She will take us through the process of deciding when conducting marketing research makes sense and how you might estimate the value of research before you make the decision to go ahead. She will examine how marketing research is usually priced and how much time is needed to allow for a properly done study. We will also look at how to discuss the benefits with a boss or client.

More specifically, Nanci will look at the role and value of the focus group. When are they appropriate? What are the advantages and disadvantages, and how definitive are the results? How do they work, what's involved, and what type of questions belong on a moderator's guide? She will also touch on other research approaches, as focus groups are often a prelude to other kinds of research. She will give us an overview of the most recent trends in research and what's popular today.

About Nanci Glassman:

Nanci Glassman is the President of Continental Research, a local marketing research firm with clients throughout the U.S. Continental is one of the largest full-service research firms in southeastern Virginia and has been in Norfolk since 1976. Mrs. Glassman is a native of Chicago who initially studied (undergraduate and graduate) consumer psychology at the University of Illinois in Champaign. She also holds a bachelor's and master's degree in business and policy studies from the State University of New York. Prior to joining Continental Research, Mrs. Glassman worked for the South Carolina Commission of Alcohol and Drug Abuse as a research analyst.

Wednesday, November 1
Holiday Inn Select, Norfolk Airport
1570 N. Military Hwy.
Norfolk, VA 23502
11:00 a.m. - Networking and registration
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and program
Cost:
$20 for members
$30 for non-members
$15 for students

Reservations / Registration

Election of Officers and Board
Nominees for chapter officers and board members will be voted on at this meeting. Please review the slate of nominees below prior to the meeting.

Nominations for 2007 Officers and Board of Directors
The following individuals have been nominated by the Nominating Committee of the Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America to serve as chapter officers and directors for 2007. Voting will be held at the November 1 chapter meeting at the Holiday Inn Select, Norfolk Airport. Nominations will be accepted from the floor provided the nominee has been contacted and has agreed to serve if elected.

Nominations
Officers:
President-Elect: Emma Inman, APR, Public Relations Manager, Sentara Healthcare
Treasurer: Harry Kenyon, APR, Public Works Information Specialist, City of Chesapeake
Secretary: Mindy L. Hughes, APR, President, Hughes Communications & Consulting

Board Members-At-Large, terms expiring end of 2009:
Ed Novi, APR, Public Communications Officer, City of Hampton
Jessica Rinck, Public Relations Account Supervisor, BCF

Continuing on the board in 2007:
President: Becky Lawson, APR
Immediate Past President: Robin Chapman, APR
Board Member-At-Large, term expiring 2007: Jennie Burge
Board Member-At-Large, term expiring 2007: Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck, APR
Board Member-At-Large, term expiring 2008: Sid Bridge, APR
Board Member-At-Large, term expiring 2008: David Rourk

National Assembly Delegate, term expiring 2007: Kevin Gaydosh, APR
National Assembly Delegate, term expiring 2008: Nina Cunningham

Professional Development Conference Recap

Did You Know?

Significant growth in newspaper Web usage is continuing to redefine the traditional newspaper audience, according to results released today by the Newspaper Association of America in its fall 2006 Newspaper Audience Database (NAdbase) report. The report shows that during the first half of 2006, unique visitors to newspaper Web sites averaged more than 55.5 million visitors a month or one in three of all Internet users, a 31 percent increase over the same period a year ago (42.4 million)(Nielsen//NetRatings). Newspaper Web sites have also helped drive a 15 percent increase in total newspaper audience for 25- to 34-year-olds and 10 percent increase for 18- to 24-year-olds (Scarborough).

Source:Newspaper Association of America

What Do You Want to Know in 2007?

Is there some aspect of public relations or a related field that you want to know more about? Is there a topic that you know a lot about and are willing to share your expertise? If so, we want to know about it in an effort to meet the needs and interests of our members through quality programming. To submit your program idea, contact president-elect Becky Lawson at becky@behindthescenespr.net

Thank You!

Many thanks to longtime PRSA Hampton Roads chapter member Sharon Hoggard, who recently stepped down from the board of directors due to added job responsibilities. Hoggard has dutifully served the chapter in a variety of capacities throughout the years and most recently chaired the chapter's diversity committee. The Board of Directors has appointed Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck, APR, currently chapter treasurer, to fill the vacancy left by Sharon Hoggard beginning January 2007. The term expires at the end of 2007.

Member Milestones

Priscilla Caldwell, Manager, Donor Societies for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, recently earned her APR (Accredited in Public Relations) status. Congratulations Priscilla!

For more information about our local APR readiness review program, contact accreditation chairman, Harry Kenyon, APR.

News from National

Web Bits

Looking for unusual or clever swag for your next event or promotion? Check out these sites for giveaways that won't be forgotten!

Order personalized M&M candies in a variety of colors at www.mms.com. Or, order personalized labels on a wide assortment of wines at www.signaturewines.com.

PRSSA News

Members of the Hampton University Chapter of PRSSA elected a new president at its first interest meeting held Oct. 2. Jennifer Banks, a senior public relations major from North Carolina, was elected to replace former president Marnae Theus. Nearly 30 students attended the interest meeting that included an overview of national PRSSA highlighted on a DVD, the local chapter of PRSA Hampton Roads, and the history of the chapter at Hampton University. Interested students were asked to become dues paying members and participate in upcoming activities such as PRSAHR meetings, the national conference, competitions and scholarships.

New P.O. Box

Please make note of the chapter's new mailing address:

PRSA Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter
1340 North Great Neck Road
#1272-119
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Treasurer's Report- September 2006
Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck,APR, Treasurer
September Income: $2,748.5
September Expenses: $3,119.60
Year-to-date Income: $15,775.65
Year-to-date Expenses:$16,383.05
Total Assets: $17,501.58

Deadline for submissions for
the December issue of News & Views is
November 7, 2006.

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

Feedback please! Your opinions are important. Please email 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.