 | Jenny Baker
2012-2013 DP/PC Chapter President |
I am truly honored to be taking over as chapter president for the 2012-2013 year. I would like to first congratulate Danny Kushmer who won chapter president of the year at state conference in August. I know I have big shoes to fill. I would also like to thank Cindy Rodriguez and Danny for encouraging me to take the step into the presidency role this year. I am looking forward to a great year as I have a wonderful group of leaders on the board serving with me.
We have a lot planned this year as we are going to focus on three major areas: membership, accreditation and fundraising. For our current members, we want to make sure you are getting everything you want out of your membership - whether it's networking, keeping you're APR & CPRC status, or professional development -- we want to give you what YOU need to succeed. Our goal is to get at least two new accredited - APR or CPRC members this year. If you have your accreditation and would like to help mentor members that are interested in achieving their designation, this would be a great opportunity to support your chapter. Please contact Cindy Rodriguez at 863-533-2000 as she will be heading up all the study sessions throughout the year. Last, but not least, fundraising is going to be a major emphasis this year as we will hold two major events -- the well-attended media breakfast and our 2nd annual Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk.
I encourage you as members to get involved on committees for these two great events. I know you have heard this before, but it's worth repeating. You really get the most out of your membership by getting involved! The more engaged you are, the better leader you will become. This statement leads me to share with you our upcoming theme for this year...drum roll please: DP/PC Engaged Professionals. Evolving Leaders.
This will be an amazing experience for me and I look forward to being at the helm of this organization for the coming year and sharing it with all of you. Thank you, in advance, for your support. It's a privilege to be your president.
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| Congrats 2012 Chapter Award Recipients |
 | (left to right): Jenny Baker, Kristin Guira, Katy Martin,
Rob Kincart |
The Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the FPRA recognized Jennifer Baker of Watson Clinic with the chapter's top honor at the August meeting, naming her Polk County's public relations professional of the year.
The Colonel John Dillin, APR, CPRC Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions to the public relations industry. Baker, the website and special events coordinator for Watson Clinic, is incoming president of the chapter.
At the meeting, the DP/PC chapter also honored Katy Martin, communications specialist at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, with the Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC Member of the Year award; and Kristin Guira, proposal manager for ACT Environmental Infrastructure, with the Rising Leader Award.
In addition, ACT Environmental Infrastructure was recognized for its outstanding commitment to public service. ACT actively supports United Way of Central Florida and was the title sponsor of the inaugural Carillon Classic, a fundraiser for the George W. Harris Runaway Youth and Crisis Shelter.
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| Welcome Aboard, New Board |
 | (left to right standing): Jennifer Olivier; Danny Kushmer; Kristin Guira; Amy Wiggins; Jeff Nall, APR, CPRC; Cassie Jacoby; Pamela Crain; Cindy Rodriguez
(left to right sitting): Katy Martin, Jenny Baker, Jessica Lawson |
Introducing the smiling faces of your FPRA Chapter's new Board. FPRA State President Jeff Nall, APR, CPRC presided over the installation ceremony for the 2012-2013 Board during the August luncheon. Please see the Chapter Leadership column on the right side of the newsletter for contact info.
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Past Presidents Aplenty at August Luncheon
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A great big thank you to the 13 past chapter presidents who attended the August luncheon and participated in the annual tradition of the passing of the gavel! The past presidents included Danny Kushmer; Cindy Rodriguez; Kris Keprios; Becky Murphy; Susan Clayton Black; Jennifer Bush; Lori Martini; Sara Hallett, APR; John McShaffrey, APR; Frances McMichael, APR, CPRC; Betty M. Miller; Cindy Sternlicht; Vanessa L. Hammill, APR; Bob E. Gernert, Jr., APR, CPRC.
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State Conference Recap |
 | | DP/PC Chapter state conference attendees (left to right): Cindy Rodriguez; Rosa Driggs; Jennifer Olivier; Jenny Baker; Danny Kushmer; Cassie Jacoby; Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC; Marybeth Soderstrom; Kristin Guira |
Did you know Danny Kushmer was awarded chapter president of the year?! Who knew?! All kidding aside, here's a wrap up of our hard-earned state conference awards... The contributions of individuals within our chapter have earned them statewide recognition for their tremendous efforts in 2011-2012. During the 74th annual state conference in St. Augustine, the association recognized our chapter with the Financial Development Award for their diligent efforts in raising funds for chapter and community initiatives. In addition, chapter president Danny Kushmer was named the 2012 president of the year and president-elect Jenny Baker received the 2012 Joe Curley Rising Leader Award.
Kushmer serves as the Southwest Florida Water Management District's community affairs manager and is responsible for representing the district's interests in local and state legislation, working specifically with elected officials in Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties. A natural-born leader, Kushmer assumed his role as the DP/PC FPRA chapter president in August 2011 and inspired his board of directors and members to make a difference in our community and profession. Under his leadership, the chapter hosted the inaugural A-C-T Carillon Classic 5k Run and Walk, which attracted more than 300 participants and raised funds for the chapter and the George W. Harris Jr. Youth Runaway and Crisis Shelter. Kushmer is known for his effective communication skills, creativity and ability to "think on his feet." He also has a knack for all things social media - leading much of the chapter's social media efforts.
Baker, the website and special events coordinator for Watson Clinic, LLP, began her role as president-elect in November of 2011, while still serving as the chapter's treasurer. She co-chaired the A-C-T Carillon Classic 5k Run and Walk, overseeing every detail of the successful inaugural event. She is known for her results-driven leadership style and ability to work with a team. Since joining the DP/PC Chapter nearly six years ago, she has served as the newsletter editor, program chair, treasurer, and helped on numerous committees for the chapter including co-chairing the Sheriff Grady Judd Roast & Toast event in 2010. She also received the Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC Member of the Year award in 2008, the chapter Rising Leader Award in 2010 and a Judges Image Award in 2008 for Watson Clinic's Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon event. In September of 2012, Baker will be inducted as the chapter's president. |
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| September Speaker |  |
Technology in PR
Karen Kovach, Principal/Founder
Third Wing Business Strategies, LLC
9/19/12 at 11:30 LYCC RSVP
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| Welcome to our newest members |  |
August New Member Pinning - Sandy Bridges (Sun 'N Fun), Samantha Lane (LEGOLAND), Donna Sheehan (City of Winter Haven), Matthew Wengerd (Coldwell Banker Commercial)
July New Member Pinning Leigh Ann Wynn (Land South Group)
April New Member Pinning Rosa Driggs (Polk County Fire Rescue)
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| Happy Anniversary! | Jennifer Baker - 6 years
Cindy Rodriguez - 8 years
Lori Edwards - 11 years
John McShaffery, APR - 20 years
Jennifer Bush - 22 years
Ken Nelson, APR - 31 years
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| Our Sponsor | Your company could be featured here!
Contact Rosa Driggs at rosadriggs@polkfl.com or
863-701-5247.
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| Quick Links | |
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| Newsletter Notes |
Don't be shy! If you would like to submit content and photos for the newsletter, contact newsletter editor Jennifer Olivier at jolivier@fphi.org.
We are also happy to include your new job/baby/degree/certification/
promotion/wedding announcement, etc. |
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