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Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter |
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President's Message
 I begin my year as president of the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association with reflection. My thoughts are on leaders before me seeking to better establish the field of public relations through advancement and education. While these leaders have been more qualified than I, I pledge to you all to strengthen our chapter.
In preparation for the 2011-2012 year I relied heavily on the previous board and immediate past-president Donna Wood. Donna has been a rock, a visionary and a friend and has led your organization in the highest ethical manner, one we can all be proud to be a part of. Donna, Thank you for your leadership, vision, and most importantly, understanding that the member comes first. I will continue to seek your counsel during my year as president and beyond.
The Army Handbook for public information officer's state: "will provide the highest quality people and services to achieve the mission.......Incorporate the highest possible standards of personal and department standards in conduct and ethics" (paraphrase). This is a powerful statement and I believe fully represents the men and women of the DP/PC Chapter, a chapter I am so proud to be a part of.
While all new presidents hope to meet and exceed the previous year's accomplishments, we are facing challenging times. In order to continue to achieve excellence in all we do representing the Chapter, we all must contribute to its success. Later on in the newsletter you will see a list of goals, developed by your board of directors and chairs. Please take a moment and determine how you can help your chapter achieve these goals.
This is going to be an exciting year! Your program chair has begun the process of scheduling a fantastic lineup of programs that will stimulate your intellect and advance your knowledge in the field of PR. You belong to an organization committed to strengthening your career and I want to encourage you to take advantage of everything the chapter has to offer.
Finally, I have challenged each board member and committee chair to build a "bull pen". We need to develop our future leaders, leaders willing and able to take the reins. The challenge simply put; if you don't find a replacement for your position you will continue to serve. While I gained knowledge in the field of PR as a member, it wasn't until I became more active by serving on a committee and then the board did I really begin to hone my skills. I challenge you to take a more active role in your chapter! Get with one of your board members and chapter chairs, find out more information on their duties and responsibilities then get out of the bull pen and get in the game.
For more information on your chapter visit the website at www.fprapolk.org and if you haven't already, "Like" your chapter on Facebook at DickPopePolkCountyFPRA and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FPRAPolk.
Sincerely,
Danny Kushmer |
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Survey Says...
 In early August you were asked to take a brief survey and the results are in:
Over 33% of the respondents have been in the field of public relations for over 10 years and only 12% for less than 1 year. We asked what, is the most compelling reason for joining FPRA and over 77% stated networking with 45% indicating member benefits.
Over 33% of the respondents attended at least 8 monthly meetings during the past year with 4% stating they only attended 1. If you are one of the 4% all I can say is that you are missing out! 66% of the respondents have attended the State Conference while 33% have not. You 33% what are waiting for?
The survey asked what type of monthly speakers/topics would you like the chapter to cover? Many of the respondents requested; branding, success stories and practical advice, using online resources for low or no-cost professional development, crisis communication, and of course social media. Your program chair is diligently working to meet these needs.
Type of speakers indicated in the survey included; TV reporters or anchors, political campaign PR experts, university leaders, and people that have had to deal with "sticky" situations...I like this one.
Lastly, the survey asked would you like to become more active in FPRA? Almost 34% of the respondents indicated they would. Ok, now that you have read the president's message you know Danny has challenged you to take a more active role in leadership. You 33% out there are expected to step up and get in the game.
For those that participated in the survey, thank you and look for more brief survey's throughout the year. Your board of directors and committee chairs need your input. |
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Mark Your Calendars
Below are the dates for your monthly meetings please mark your calendars and plan on attending:
September 21, 2011
October 19, 2011
November 16, 2011
December 21, 2011
January 18, 2012
February 15, 2012
March 21, 2012
April 18, 2012
May 16, 2012
June 20, 2012
July 18, 2012
August - None/State Conference |
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Member Challenge
FPRA State President Melanie Etters of the Tallahassee Chapter has set the tone for the 2011 - 2012 year by creating the theme "Discovering our Treasures". Treasures of course being us, the members!
The Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of FPRA would also like to have a theme that coincides with Ms. Etters. Your president, board of directors and committee chairs would like to enlist your help. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. Monday, September 19th and running through 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 20th your chapter will hold a contest on Facebook.
Your chapter will pose the following question: "Discovering our Treasures" is this year's theme for the Florida Public Relations Association, in keeping with the state's theme (or not) what should be the DP/PC FPRA Chapter's theme?
The theme with the most "Likes" will win.............And what (do tell) will you win? The theme with most "Likes" will win the 2011 Associated Press Stylebook "The journalist's bible".
Remember, log onto Facebook Monday, September 19th and get in on the action. Once you have submitted your entry tell your friends, colleague's, relatives and everyone you know to go to www.facebook.com/DickPopePolkCountyFPRA and "Like" your theme/Post. And, if they have not already liked our page, tell them to click "Like" and start following your chapter on Facebook. Announcements will also be sent out via Twitter....Good Luck and winner will be announced at the September 21st luncheon. Need not be present to win however, if you are not the president will embarrass you un-mercifully....
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Opportunities
Do you know an organization that would like to get 5 minutes in front of PR professionals in Polk County? This is a limited opportunity to give a 5 minute presentation and hand out materials reaching a very elite group of individuals representing local, state and national organizations. For only $75 you can sponsor one of the chapter's monthly luncheons. That's right only $75! And here is what you get: Distribution of printed materials, five (5) minutes to present your organization to PR professionals and the chance to introduce the guest speaker. Here is your chance to reach a group of people that make things happen in Polk County but there is only a limited opportunity. Please contact Danny Kushmer at danny.kushmer@watermatters.org or call Danny at 863-559-8062 today and secure one of the dates for an up-coming monthly luncheon. |
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Member News
 Frances McMichael APR CPRC is delighted to (finally) announce the engagement of her oldest son, Andrew, to his long-time girlfriend Ashleigh Lowe. Veteran FPRA members may remember that Andrew was non-existent when Frances joined FPRA in 1984 but arrived on the scene during her first year on the DP/PC board in 1985. Frances is resisting the urge to offer advice about the upcoming special event.
 Allison Beeman will have a special announcement at September's luncheon, don't miss out!
 Amy Wiggins, Vice President, Communications at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce has been nominated to serve a three year term on the board for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.
 Ken Nelson, APR of AIM Engineering & Surveying has been recognized as "Knight of the Year" for 2010/2011 by the Knights of Columbus Council 7091. In addition to this honor, Ken has previously won three statewide FPRA Golden Image awards and was the first statewide winner of FPRA's Doris Fleishman award for his service to the Dick Pope/Polk County chapter. He is also a two time winner of the chapter's "PR Professional of the Year" award.
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Chapter Goals
On August 18, 2011 your board of directors and chapter chairs met for a strategic planning session. This was a time to get to know one another, review the previous year and set the goals for the up-coming year. While the board and committee chairs set the goals, they can and will not be achieved without your help. The success of your chapter depends on your involvement!
Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
2011 - 2012 Chapter Goals
Membership Goal 65
Retention Goal (%) 80%
Recruitment Goal (#) 8
Membership Increase/Decrease (%) 13%
Current Student Membership 11
Student Membership Goal 15
Programs per year/Luncheon 10
Social Events 2
Community Service Projects 2
Counselors Network Event/Sr. Pract. 1
Image Awards 1
Average Attendance Goal 30
Current Treasury ($) $8,500.00
Goal ($) $10,200.00
% Increase or Decrease 20%
Newsletters (#) 12
Press Releases (#) 15
E-mail or other communications 1100
Current Number APR's (#) 10
APR Goal (#) 3
Current CPRC's (#) 4
CPRC Goal (#) 1
Professional Development Seminars (#) 2
Chapter Attendees at Conference 2011 13
Goal for Conference 2012 13
Scholarships to Conference (Goal) 3
Scholarships to Students (Goal) 2
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ACCREDITATION - In five easy steps!
 Have you ever wondered what it means to be an APR? Are you unsure about the time or monetary commitment? Well the DPPC chapter is here to help! We will help you on the road to secure your credentials and even provide additional monetary compensation to help you through the process! It's as easy as 1-2-3!
What is the APR or Accredited in Public Relations (APR)?
APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals. These professionals are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment.
What does it mean to me as a professional?
This is a process, that when successfully completed, validates your commitment to the field and level of knowledge in the practice of public relations. It sends a clear message to your colleagues, employer and clients that you have reached a level in your professional career of extraordinary competence and achievement.
How will it benefit me personally and professionally?
In today's competitive employment market, companies exhaust tremendous resources to attract the best people. Talent, experience, dedication and enthusiasm are among the key performance areas taken into consideration when evaluating job candidates. When the job search centers on a public relations position, smart employers should give special consideration to applicants who have earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential.
How do I become an APR?
Work with Chapter Accreditation Co-chairs Rebeca Mueller, APR, and Jim Frankowiak, APR to complete the five steps on the road to accreditation:
- Apply for Eligibility
- Download and Complete Readiness Review Questionnaire
- Request and Receive Coaching and Mentoring
- Participate and Pass the Readiness Review
- Take and Pass the Online APR Examination
Total cost for the process is $385 if you pay it all at once. If you opt for two, equal payments, the cost is $410.
Need a bit of incentive to start? FPRA State Office will reimburse you $100 as you successfully pass Readiness Review. Unique to the Dick Pope Polk County Chapter is a new monetary reimbursement. The first five DPPC Chapter members to fill out and submit the application to the Universal Accreditation Board will receive an Additional $100 reimbursement. |
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Try our PAYPAL!
 That's right! The DPPC Chapter has a PayPal account.
Members and visitors may pay for lunches and special events online - and they don't have to have a PayPal account to use it.
Simply click this link PayPal and RSVP your attendance to the next luncheon!
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Next Meeting
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Be sure to make plans to attend and meet FPRA State President,
Melanie Mowry Etters, APR.
Melanie will install our new 2011-2012 Board and share her vision for the future! |
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Florida Public Relations Association DC/PC Chapter
The DP/PC Chapter of FPRA is made up of more than 60 public relations professionals representing nearly every industry in the area; including government, tourism, non-profit, education, healthcare, financial, retail, agencies and big & small business. |
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