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Greetings!
 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
One of my favorite things about getting to serve as President this year has been the chance to call on several of our chapters - several located in towns I'd never visited - and meet new people. While visiting our chapters I was able to stop on the side of the road in the rain to read a historical marker about Indian mounds in Frogmore, La., spent part of the day traveling 18 mph (Archie Manning's old number) in downtown Oxford, Miss., with my 8-year-old son and saw a far-too-close lightning strike just off the highway while returning home from Gulfport, Miss. So here are some random thoughts about the past year:
- SPRF's 1,471 members is now an all-time high enrollment! All of our membership chairs and chapter presidents are to be congratulated for the organization's continued growth.
- I've been fortunate to have a great board. It's exciting, and humbling, to work with talented people who do what they say they are going to do.
- How did SPRF ever exist without a website? I've learned it takes most of the board officers to keep the website updated and something new is posted to the site daily. I'm sure one day soon we'll be saying the same thing about social media.
- Unless there is a specific reason to meet elsewhere, the Board now meets quarterly in Meridian, Miss., the geographic center of our organization's footprint until more chapters are added. It is our hope that by meeting in a centrally located area SPRF leadership opportunities are opened to members of all chapters, not just those in closest proximity to the Gulf Coast.
- The SPRF Board is engaged in planning to create a Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame to be housed, possibly, at Mississippi State University.
- Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent online voting as we cleaned up and clarified some wording to the Constitution and created a new VP of Student Services position on the Board.
- SPRF membership has enriched my career and personal life. I am so thankful for friends I've met in our organization.
- Congratulations to the Conference Planning Committee for their exceptional work hosting this year's event. Almost 200 registrations despite a difficult economy and I continue to hear positive comments about the event.
Well, that's about it. Remember to be sure to mark your calendar for Sept. 26-28, 2010 for next year's conference in Baton Rouge! I have no doubt that Jarrod Ravencraft will do an exceptional job as President next year.
Adam Kelley, APR |
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SPRF Honors Its Own with Professional Achievement and Educator of the Year Awards
The Southern Public Relations Federation recently presented its highest honor - the Professional Achievement Award (PAA) - to Kristie Aylett, APR. The award, as well as Educator of the Year Award, was presented during the Federation's annual conference on Oct. 5, at the Gold Strike Casino Resort.  An outstanding member from each SPRF state is nominated by his or her peers and must prepare an entry detailing their career achievements for judging. Aylett was nominated by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM). The selection is based on professional activities, community service, career achievement and examples of the nominee's work. Denise Boyd, APR, of the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO); Susan Broussard, APR, of the Alexandria chapter of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL); and Bill Cunningham, of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), were also nominated for the honor. University of Mississippi Lecturer in Journalism Robin Street, APR, was named "PR Educator of the Year" by the Federation. Street was nominated for the award by PRAM, which had previously named her as Educator of the Year in Mississippi. Other nominees included Vanessa Murphree, of PRCA, and Linda Evanchyk, of ECPRO.
This year's SPRF conference also celebrated the organization's 35th birthday with a cake and candle blowing ceremony by SPRF's board of directors and a presentation honoring the newly formed Senior Leadership Council (SLC). The SLC is made up of past SPRF Presidents and other founding members of the organization. Chairing the formation of the SLC is Sabrina McLaughlin, who was also honored for serving as SPRF's President for the past year.
Aylett is an accredited public relations professional with more than 19 years in the industry. She has a proven record of developing and implementing successful strategies that enhance institutional reputation and visibility. Her accomplishments include award-winning publicity, behavior-changing marketing and awareness campaigns, and mission-focused collateral pieces.
For the past six years, Aylett has worked as an independent PR practitioner, counseling clients and working on projects throughout the United States through her firm, The KARD Group PR/Marketing. Prior to becoming a consultant, Aylett directed the public relations efforts for the University of North Texas Health Science Center and served as a public information officer for the City of Fort Worth/Tarrant County, Texas.
 Street is in her 20th year of teaching at Ole Miss, specializing in public relations and feature writing. In addition, she previously served as director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association for 15 of those years. She has also been named "Teacher of the Month," by Kappa Delta Sorority and listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Street is also an active award-winning freelancer specializing in fitness, preventive health, nutrition and mental health topics. Her articles have appeared in leading national magazines such as Woman's Day, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Light, Writer's Digest, & Golf for Women. She has also published more than 50 in-depth health articles in The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger. She holds both a M.A. degree in journalism and a M.S. degree in wellness from Ole Miss. In 2006, she won the statewide "Strong Woman" award for mentorship from Lifetime Television and Baptist Women'sServices in Jackson, Miss. | |
SPRF Honors 16 Senior Practitioners at Annual Conference Luncheon
The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) recently honored 16 of its veteran members with the distinguished designation of Senior Practitioner, presented during the Federation's annual conference on Oct. 6, at the Gold Strike Casino Resort.
Each year, SPRF member organizations - Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO), Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM), and Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) - and their respective chapters are invited to nominate up to two professionals per chapter for the SPRF Senior Practitioner designation.
The senior practitioner designation was established to honor members of SPRF who are recognized by their peers as veteran public relations professionals with high ethical standing. Members may only receive the designation one time in their career. Nomination and selection is made by each local chapter based on criteria set by the SPRF. To receive the designation "Senior Practitioner," a recipient must meet three of the following four criteria:
· 15 years of full-time public relations experience
· Accreditation by the NAPRC member organization
· Officer or board member at chapter, state or SPRF level
· Recognition of professionalism as evidenced by such awards as Practitioner of the Year, Lantern Award or similar honor.
2009 Recipients of this designation are:
Diana G. Waller, ECPRO
Susan Broussard, APR, PRAL-Central Louisiana
Robby Channell, PRAM-Central Chapter
Susan Lepoma Perkins, PRAM-MississippiBeach Chapter
Pam Swain, PRAM-Oxford/Ole Miss Chapter
JoAnne Marsh, PRAM-Pine Belt Chapter
Shawn Mercer, PRAM-Pine Belt Chapter
Laura Richardson Walton, Ph.D., APR, PRAM-Starkville/MSU Chapter
Jennifer Ryan, PRCA-East Alabama
Ashley Fulmer, APR, PRCA-Birmingham Chapter
Wes Phillips, APR, PRCA-Mobile Chapter
Jennifer Jenkins, APR, PRCA-Mobile Chapter
Amy Lynn Reagan, APR, PRCA-North Alabama Chapter
Linda James, PRCA-North Alabama Chapter
Rebecca M. Booker, PRCA-West Alabama Chapter
Robert B. Johnson, Jr., APR, PRCA-West Alabama Chapter
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SPRF Members Vote to Confirm Representation; Add VP of Student Services
The membership recently approved the following new wording to the SPRF Constitution:
Article IV, Section 1. The affairs of the Federation shall be managed by a Board of Directors (The Board), meeting on call of the President or by a majority of the Board. The Board shall consist of the following members:
- In each state which has a state-wide SPRF organization consisting of more than two chapters within the state, four members shall represent the state organization and one member shall represent the state as a whole, all chosen as the state's membership sees see fit.
- In each state which has a state-wide organization consisting of one or two chapters, two members shall represent each chapter and one member shall represent the state as a whole, all chosen as the state's membership sees fit.
Also, the membership approved creation of a VP-Student Services position on the SPRF Board to carry out all duties relating to communicating with students and improving all aspects of service to these valuable members. Job description would be to serve as liaison between the SPRF Board and member organization VPs of Students to support student chapter value and growth. He/she works in conjunction with the Treasurer to collect dues from student chapters, VP Membership to accurately maintain the database and Conference Committee to coordinate student functions and promote attendance at the annual conference. |
SPRF Elects New 2010 Board of Directors
President - Jarrod Ravencraft, PRAM
President-elect - Glen Duncan, APR, PRAL Baton Rouge
VP, Professional Development - Lori Miller, PRCA
VP, Communications - Pam Swain, PRAM
VP, Accreditation/UAB Rep - Dr. John Forde, APR, PRAM
VP, Membership - Susan Broussard, APR, PRAL Alexandria
VP, Student Services - Joy Carter, APR, PRCA
Secretary - Cathy Landroche, ECPRO
Treasurer - Stephen Loy, APR, PRAL Baton Rouge
Past President - Adam Kelley, APR, PRCA
UAB Rep - Missy LaBorde, APR, PRAL Alexandria
Member at Large - Kristie Aylett, APR, PRAM
Member at Large - Nan Baldwin, APR, PRCA
Member at Large - Caron Blanton, APR, PRAM
Member at Large - Ardelle Bush, ECPRO
Member at Large - Ken Hair, ECPRO
Member at Large - Jennifer Jenkins, APR, PRCA
Member at Large - Michelle Toms, PRAL Alexandria |
| Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date
It is critical that you keep your profile updated so you receive the benefits you expect and pay for from SPRF, ECPRO, PRAL, PRAM, PRCA and your local chapter.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR UPDATING MEMBER PROFILES IN THE SPRF ONLINE DIRECTORY
On the right side of the page, locate the Member login and password section to the private section of the website.
Use your email address on file with our chapter. If your e-mail is invalid, send an e-mail request to Susan Broussard, SPRF vice president of membership, susan.broussard@cleco.com, and it will be corrected.
All passwords have been changed to lowercase sprf unless you have previously logged in and changed your password. Then, it will be the password you have chosen.
This will open the private membership page that has the Membership Directory.
To update your personal membership record, click on Edit My Directory Profile.
Update your info and click on update.
Helpful Hints for Accurate Records
For password, change it to something personal, but remember, your default will always be lowercase sprf.
For e-mail, be sure you have a valid e-mail address. Most of the communication at the regional, state and local level is sent to members via e-mail from this directory.
Be sure you include the area code on all your phone numbers.
Please include home phone numbers and URLs.
If a member's name is "Mary Jones-Smith," then the hyphenated "Jones-Smith" goes in the last name column. If a member's name is "Mary Jones Smith," then only the Smith goes in the last name column.
If a corporate membership is paid, but the company has not selected an employee to fill the membership, then put "TBA" in the first name and last name columns.
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Best Chapter in SPRF? It's PRCA-Mobile and Rak-Blanchard is President of the Year
Congratulations to the Mobile chapter of PRCA, winner of the inaugural Jamie Palmer Chapter of Distinction Award. Susan Rak-Blanchard, president of the Mobile Chapter last year, received the honor at a special awards luncheon at the SPRF annual conference in Tunica, Miss. Then, Susan herself walked away with the first ever President of the Year Award.
 In a close contest that called for chapters to document their year's work in eight categories, Mobile was the top points winner. Each entering chapter prepared and submitted a notebook in each of the following: Accreditation, Chapter Management, Communications, Membership, Programs, Projects, Public Relations Education, and Public Service. A group of senior SPRF leaders then closely scrutinizing all that good work, awarding points in each category.
Winners of individual categories got the recognition they deserved as well.
- Accreditation - PRCA Mobile
- Chapter Management - PRCA Montgomery
- Communications - PRAM Central
- Membership - PRCA Mobile
- Programs - PRCA Montgomery
- Projects - PRCA Mobile
- Public Relations Education - PRCA Mobile
- Public Service - PRCA Mobile
Rak-Blanchard took home a beautiful, engraved award, and the PRCA-Mobile claimed a $250 dollar prize, a table-top display and a logo to display an any and all of their publications.
"The over-riding purpose of this new award is to challenge all chapters to review their activities, improve them, compare them and win," said award chairman Glen Duncan, APR. "When that happens, we'll all get better at what we do and make a greater impact on our members, our leaders, our communities and our profession."
Rak-Blanchard summed it up nicely, "We are all so thrilled!"
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SPRF's 110 APRs, Third-Most in U.S.
Submitted by Dr. John E. Forde, APR
SPRF Vice President of Accreditation
Fellow SPRF Members,
Thanks for all of the APR enthusiasm over the past year! SPRF currently has 110 APRs, which ranks us as one of the top three APR organizations in the country. During the 35th Annual SPRF Conference in Tunica in October we recognized 10 colleagues who had earned accreditation within the past year. There are currently numerous study groups forming in local chapters, and many other practitioners are studying individually.
Our practice over the past several years has been to provide APR workshops at state and regional conferences. We had a panel program prior to this year's conference, but the attendance was very low. Our board and conference planners need to hear from you if there is real interest in continuing this. I told the attendees in Tunica that I was willing to do a workshop if only one registered, but we need to support these by attending if we ask members to donate their time to prepare and present.
The online study course has now been completely updated by Point-Productions.com (our technical provider) with much assistance from the Universal Accreditation Board Professional Development Work Group over the past year. If you are considering APR, this tool has been very effective in helping prepare candidates. Most recent data from our online course administrator indicate that 100% of the most recent online course candidates who participated in 75% or more of the online course materials passed the APR examination.
We are currently working at the UAB level to make some slight updates on the APR Study Guide and other related preparation materials. In addition, the exam is continually reviewed for consistency and relevance to the field. As always, the overriding goal of all UAB activities is to enhance the value of APR.
A new proposal is also gathering steam at the UAB level to offer graduating seniors or recently graduated students in public relations programs the opportunity to take a shorter version of the APR exam (for a reduced fee). The tentative title for this pre-APR program at this point is Tier 1, but the final name has not been determined yet. There will be much pre-testing and information gathered over many months, but the proposal was discussed with educators by Dr. Jay Rayburn (our UAB colleague coordinating this effort) at the recent Public Relations Society of America Educators Academy in San Diego. There was overwhelming support.
The UAB will meet by conference calls in December and then in late January in New York. As always, please provide suggestions as we represent you. Feel free to contact me at any time through "new" or old-fashioned channels. I still enjoy talking on the phone!
Dr. John E. Forde, APR
Associate Professor and Head
Department of Communication
P.O. Box PF
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662-325-8033-office
662-312-5031-mobile
662-324-0168-home
662-325-3210-fax
jforde@comm.msstate.edu
facebook.com/Dr.John.E.Forde.APR.
twitter.com/JohnEFordeAPR
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Interested in becoming Accredited in Public Relations?
 Take a look at www.praccreditation.org and see what new resources are available. Your colleagues in SPRF want to help you earn this credential. Go to www.sprf.org and find contact colleagues and other information. There is also an online study course now available. Take a sneak peak by clicking here. Also see who is accredited in SPRF what other organizations work together on APR by clicking here. Want more information? Contact Dr. John E. Forde, APR - 662-325-8033 or jforde@comm.msstate.edu |
| Check Out '09 Conference Photos
Check out all the great photos from this year's SPRF Conference in Tunica by clicking here |
| Save the Date!
SPRF 2010 Conference
Baton Rouge, LA
September 26-28, 2010 |
SPRF Now on Facebook
 Do you love keeping up with all your friends and colleagues on Facebook? Well if you're a Facebook member, you'll definitely want to join the SPRF group and check out the "Take Me Away to Tunica" event page for information on which of your Facebook friends plan to be in Tunica this October for SPRF's Annual Conference! Click here for the link | |
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A Word from Michael Tullier, APR
Dear Friends,
 I want to thank the Southern Public Relations Federation for the privilege of representing each of you on the Universal Accreditation Board for the past five years. While I realize not every SPRF member is Accredited, Accreditation in Public Relations affects each of us. With a professional credential such as the APR, we have given our profession a definable body of knowledge - one established on intentional, strategic and ethical practice. The APR offers a clear path of demonstrated excellence and professional development. While it may not be a credential pursued by everyone, I do hope that each of you will understand its relevance in what we do as an association of professionals seeking to influence the various sectors in which we work. It has been a source of personal pride to see how well regarded SPRF is among our UAB colleagues. Our standing as an organization within the greater body of professional groups that direct and administer our credential dates back to our representation by SPRF APR pioneer Bill Michelet, APR, and continued through to Carol Mann, APR, who preceded me on the UAB. Our future remains in the capable and continued representation by Dr. John Forde, APR, and our newest representative, Missy LaBorde, APR. Our past success - and future promise - of Accreditation certainly lies in the countless APRs who chair Accreditation in their chapters and state organizations, mentor candidates, lead study groups and participate in Readiness Reviews. Thanks to each of you who advance our credential and the opportunities for both public relations professionals and our profession. So again, thank you for the honor of representing each of you. My service on the UAB was personally a rewarding and enriching experience, which only further demonstrates that learning and growing in our profession does not stop once you become Accredited. I encourage you to learn what Accreditation might hold for you by asking an APR. All my best, Michael Tullier, APR SPRF UAB Representative and Immediate Past UAB Chair Michael Tullier, APR, is director of external relations for the Auburn University College of Education in Auburn, Ala. Accredited in 2003, Tullier served as chair of the Universal Accreditation Board in 2008 and is its current immediate past chair. During his UAB tenure, which began in 2005, he has represented both the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF). |
SPRF Announces 2009 Lantern Winners
Deborah Hudson of PRCA-North Alabama Takes Claims to William A. Taylor Best of Show Award
 The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) recognized outstanding work in the field of public relations during the Lantern Awards ceremony held Tuesday evening October 6 at the Gold Strike Resort and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. Awards, including Certificates of Merit, Awards of Excellence and Lantern Awards, were given in 25 categories. From those, the judges also selected the Best of Show Award, and two Judges' Awards. Deborah Hudson of Huntsville Utilities received the William A. Taylor Best of Show Award for their 2008 annual report, "Energy for your Future." Judges' Awards were given to Coast Electric Power Association, specifically to entrants Ron Barnes, Melissa Bryant and April Lollar, for their internal newsletter "Hotlines." The second Judges' Award also went to Coast Electric Power for the PR program entry, "Our Energy, Our Future." Here is a complete list of the award categories and winning entries: Category 1-C - Total Public Relations Program - Budget of $25,000 or more
Award of Merit - Godwin Group, "Butler Snow PR Plan 2008-2009" Category 2-C - Special Public Relations Program - Long Term - 90 days or longer - Budget of $25,000 or more
Award of Merit - Godwin Group, "Mississippi Council on Economic Education PR Program" Award of Merit - Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Consumer Awareness: "Sign It Now Campaign" Award of Merit - Red Square Agency, "Stewart Enterprises, Inc. - Plan to Live Giveaway" Award of Excellence - Gina Aswell, Linda Mann, Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, "Jackson CVB 2008 Restaurant Campaign" 2009 LANTERN - Coast Electric Power Association, "Our Energy, Our Future" 2009 LANTERN - Coast Electric Power Association, "Co-op Connections" Category 3-C - Special Public Relations Program - Short Term - Less than 90 days - Budget of $25,000 or more
Award of Merit - Deveney Communication, "Rodrigue's Louisiana: Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina" 2009 LANTERN - Cindy Scott, LWT Communications, "Extreme PR! for Aronov Homes" Category 4-A - Community Relati ons Program - Long term - 90 days or longerAward of Excellence - Pascagoula School District, "Destination Graduation Part 2" Category 5-A - Public Service Program - Long term - 90 days or longer
Award of Merit - Mississippi Department of Mental Health, "Shatter the Silence, Suicide - The Secret You Shouldn't Keep" Category 5-B - Public Service Program - Short term - Less than 90 days
Award of Merit - Louisiana Lottery Corporation, "2009 Responsible Play Campaign" Award of Excellence - Red Square Agency, "Verizon Wireless - Clothesline Project" Category 6-B - Public Affairs Program - Short term - Less than 90 days
Award of Merit - BREC Communication, HB 792, Opposition and Analysis Award of Excellence - Cunningham Group, "Higher Education Partnership YouTube Videos" Award of Excellence - Delia Taylor, APR, Taylor Media Services, "Central School Propositions" Category 7-B - Internal Communication Program - Short term - Less than 90 daysAward of Excellence - Delia Taylor, APR, Lisa Comeaux and Venessa Lewis, "Building Together In God's Love" Category 8-C - Reputation/Brand Management - Crisis Communication Award of Merit - BREC Communication, "Rail Pipe Project" Award of Merit - Mara Hartmann, Checky Herrington, Kelly Scrivner, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., "Hurricane Gustav" Award of Excellence - Steve Alderman, Godwin Group, "Hancock Bank - Gustav Crisis Communications" Category 8-D - Reputation/Brand Management: Integrated Marketing Communication Programs
Award of Excellence - Insight Marketing Communications, "Nightown Marketing Re-Open Campaign" Award of Excellence - Louisiana Lottery Corporation, "2008 Holiday Campaign" Award of Excellence - Louisiana Lottery Corporation, "2009 Here Comes The Parade-Mardi Gras Campaign"
Category 9-A - Special Events - Budget under $20,000
Award of Merit - Cunningham Group, "Lowder New Homes - Patios on Parade"
Award of Merit - Jackson County Board of Supervisors, "Holiday Pet Adoption"
Award of Merit - LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "TIMED Education Program"
Award of Merit - Leyla Goodsell, Joey Goodsell, The Agency, Samantha McCain, "USM School of Mass Communication & Journalism 2009 Spring Banquet"
2009 LANTERN - Insight Marketing Communications, "Nightown VIP/Media Event"
Category 9-B - Special Events - Budget of $20,000 or more
Award of Merit - Deveney Communication, "39th Annual New Orleans Boat Show"
Category 10-A - Qualitative Research
Award of Merit-Insight Marketing Communications, "Destin Real Estate Focus Group"
Category 10-B - Quantitative Research
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Peacock Pavers Adwords"
Category 10-C - Total Research Program
Award of Merit-Marianne Higgins, APR, Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office, "Data Center Issues Survey"
2009 LANTERN-Insight Marketing Communications, "University of West Florida Recruiting Research"
Category 11 - Measurement
Award of Merit-LSU Communications & University Relations, Margo Jolet, Editor, "Gustav Report"
Award of Excellence-Red Square Agency, "Cirque du Soleil - Measurement"
Award of Excellence-Red Square Agency, "PCI Wind Creek Casino - Measurement"
Category 12-A - Annual Report - Budget under $5,000
Award of Merit-LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "LA TIMED Managers Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Report"
Award of Excellence-Amanda Parker, Lorri Freeman, Amanda Parker, Singing River Electric Power Association, "Singing River Electric - 2008 Annual Report"
Category 12-B - Annual Report - Budget between $5,000 - $10,000
Award of Excellence-Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters, "2008 Civil Air Patrol Annual Report to Congress"
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Alabama Law Foundation 2008 Annual Report"
2009 LANTERN-Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, "Finding Solutions. Solving Problems. 2008 Annual Report"
2009 LANTERN-Ron Barnes, Melissa Bryant, April Lollar, Coast Electric Power Association, "Investing In Tomorrow"
Category 12-C - Annual Report - Budget of $10,000 or more
2009 LANTERN-Deborah Hudson, Huntsville Utilities, "Energy for Your Future: 2008 Annual Report"
Category 13-B - Publications - External magazine
Award of Merit-Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters, "Civil Air Patrol Volunteer"
Award of Merit-Red Square Agency, "Alabama State Port Authority - Alabama Seaport Magazine"
Award of Merit-Godwin Group, "Butler Snow - ProTe: Solutio"
Award of Excellence-Nia Johnson, Community Bankers Association of Alabama, "Banking Traditions"
Award of Excellence-Red Square Agency, "Terrebonne General Medical Center - Take Care Magazine"
Award of Excellence-Bagley College of Engineering, Publications Office, "Momentum Magazine Fall 2008 and Spring 2009"
Category 13-C - Publications - Internal newsletter
Award of Merit-Carol Mann, APR, AltaPointe Health Systems, "AltaNews Employee Newsletter"
Award of Excellence-Robin Street, University of Mississippi, "Orion Healthy Living Letter"
2009 LANTERN-Ron Barnes, Melissa Bryant, April Lollar, Coast Electric Power Association, "Hotlines"
Category 13-D - Publications - External newsletter
Award of Excellence-Louisiana Lottery Corporation, "Louisiana Lottery Exchange Newsletter"
Category 13-F - Publications - Regular electronic publications
Award of Merit-Celeste Cade and Chrystelle Thames, The Baptist Children's Village, "The Baptist Children's Village Newsletter - The Family Link"
Award of Excellence-Abbie Cataldo, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, "Leader Board"
Category 14-A - Special Purpose Publications - Invitations
2009 LANTERN-Cunningham Group, "Linda Tilley Birthday Card"
2009 LANTERN-Insight Marketing Communications, "Nightown VIP/Media Event Invitation"
2009 LANTERN-MightyPenguin Design, Matt Martin - creative, "For the Birds - 2008 PRAM Conference e-vites"
Category 14-B - Special Purpose Publications - Programs
Award of Merit-LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "Drive to Survive Poster"
Award of Excellence-LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "TIMED 2 Explore Engineering Brochure"
Category 14-C - Special Purpose Publications in the "Other single-issue publications" subcategory
Award of Merit-Civil Air Patrol, "CAP is..."
Award of Merit-Jennie Bradford Curlee, Community Development Foundation, "Community Development Foundation 60th Anniversary Publication"
Award of Merit-Deborah Hudson, Huntsville Utilities, "What's In My Water?"
Award of Merit-Sides & Associates, "Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Emergency Guide"
Award of Excellence-Michael Tullier, Auburn University College of Education, "2009 Keystone Magazine"
Category 15-A - Direct Mail - Print subcategory
Award of Merit-LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "HPL Direct Mail Postcard"
Award of Excellence-Red Square Agency, "Gulf Coast Cancer Centers - Physician Message"
Category 15-B - Direct Mail - Electronic subcategory
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Peacock Pavers e-Brochure"
Category 16-A - Promotional Brochure or Folder - Brochure/folder budget under $5,000
Award of Merit-Lewis Graphic Design, "Doctor's Hospice Brochure"
Award of Excellence-The University of Alabama, "CIS Undergraduate Recruitment Brochure"
Award of Excellence-The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, "Discoveries: Southern Miss Performance Series"
Category 16-B - Promotional Brochure or Folder - Brochure/folder budget of $5,000 - $10,000
Award of Merit-Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, "Shatter the Silence Brochure"
Award of Merit-Pat Rasberry, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, "Promotional Brochure or Folder"
2009 LANTERN-Insight Marketing Communications, "Children's Advocacy Center Brochure"
Category 17-A - Organizational Identity - Logo Design
Award of Merit-Traci Rouse, Hattiesburg Convention Commission, "Lake Terrace Logo"
Award of Merit-Mann & Associates, "Teacher Talk Logo"
Award of Merit-Delia Taylor, APR, and Venessa Lewis, "BCR"
Award of Excellence-Insight Marketing Communications, "Nightown Logo"
Category 17-B - Organizational Identity - Letterhead or Business cards
Award of Excellence-Venessa Lewis, Lewis Graphic Design, "Lewis Graphic Design Corporate Identity"
Category 17-C - Organizational Identity - Signage subcategory
Award of Merit-LA TIMED Managers on behalf of LA DOTD, "TIMED History Timeline"
Category 17-D - Organizational Identity - Promotional products
Award of Merit-Red Square Agency, "Red Square Agency - Merchandise"
Category 17-E - Organizational Identity - Institutional/Image advertising
Award of Excellence-Lois Russell, Alabama State University, "myASU"
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Auburn University Montgomery Financial Aid Television Spots"
Category 17-F - Organizational Identity - Identity Standards Manual subcategory
Award of Merit-LSU Communications and University Relations, "Visual Standards Manual"
Category 18-A - Media/Press Kit - Print subcategory
Award of Merit-Cunningham Group, "Victory Land West Wing Grand Opening Press Kit"
Award of Merit-Red Square Agency, "Verizon Wireless - Blackberry Storm Media Kit"
Award of Excellence-Red Square Agency, "PCI Wind Creek Casino - Media Kit"
Category 19-A - Writing for Public Relations - Opinion/Editorial subcategory
Award of Excellence-Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, "Shatter the Silence Editorial"
2009 LANTERN-Godwin Group, "Miss. Council on Economic Education Op-ed"
Category 19-B - Writing for Public Relations - Feature story
Award of Merit-Nia Johnson, Community Bankers Association of Alabama, "Community Spirit Bank: 100 Years & Counting"
Award of Merit-Nia Johnson, Community Bankers Association of Alabama, "Mr. Washburn Goes to Washington"
Award of Excellence-Steve Cox, Civil Air Patrol
"Alaska Wing Eases Plight of Yup'ik Eskimo Struggling with Winter Food Shortages"
Award of Excellence-Nia Johnson, Community Bankers Association of Alabama, "Past, Present & Future: Three Generations of Community Banking"
Award of Excellence-Robin Street, University of Mississippi, "George Street: A Real-Life Hero in 1962"
Award of Excellence-Kristie Aylett, APR, The KARD Group PR/Marketing, "Bloys Camp meeting and Brite Divinity School"
2009 LANTERN-Robin Street, University of Mississippi, "Guide to Getting Help for Mental Health Problems"
Category 19-D - Writing for Public Relations - News release
Award of Merit-LSU, "First Analysis of Platypus Genome May Impact Disease Prevention"
Award of Merit-LSU, "LSU-Troy to be the First Major College Football Game Broadcast in Navajo Language"
Award of Merit-University of Southern Mississippi, "Goodsell Selected for Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Seminar in Los Angeles"
Award of Merit-Ashley Fulmer, APR, Wilbanks Elam Public Relations, "Mount Royal Towers Senior Prom 2009"
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Victory Land Kennel Story"
Category 19-E - Writing for Public Relations - Public Relations or Marketing plan
Award of Excellence-BREC Communications, "2009 Communication Plan"
Category 19-G - Writing for Public Relations - "Other" subcategory
Award of Merit-Civil Air Patrol, "CAP Responds To Hurricane Ike"
Category 20-B - Broadcast Production - External audio
Award of Excellence-BREC Communications, "BREC's Video Application for the AAPRA and NRPA's Gold Medal Program"
Award of Excellence-Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, "Shatter the Silence Radio Commercial"
Category 20-C - Broadcast Production - Internal video
Award of Merit-Civil Air Patrol, "Citizens Serving Communities - Above and Beyond"
Category 20-D - Broadcast Production - External video
Award of Merit-Civil Air Patrol, "Cadet Programs - Tri-Wing Encampment"
Award of Merit-Godwin Group, "On The Bus Dropout Prevention Video"
2009 LANTERN-Civil Air Patrol, "Hurricane Relief - Citizen Volunteers"
2009 LANTERN-Marc Goldstein, Creative Video Productions, "I Will Remember You"
2009 LANTERN-Leighton Spann, MSU Agricultural Communications, "Harness Track Renovations Complete"
Category 21-A - Web Site Development - Internet
Award of Merit-Abbie Cataldo, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, "Chef's Corner Website"
Award of Merit-Cunningham Group, "The Frazer Lanier Company Website"
Award of Merit-Jennie Bradford Curlee, Community Development Foundation, "Community Development Foundation Website"
Award of Merit-Red Square Agency, "Alabama State Port Authority Website"
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Lowder New Homes Website"
Award of Excellence-Carol Mann, APR, Mann & Associates, "Teacher Talk Website"
Award of Excellence-Susan Lassetter, MSU Bagley College of Engineering, "BCoE Website"
Award of Excellence-Civil Air Patrol, "CAPmembers.com"
Category 22-B - Interactive Media - Weblog
Award of Merit-University of Alabama, "UA Blog: Inside the Olympic Village"
Category 25 - Potpourri
Award of Merit-Godwin Group, "HORNE LLP Media Relations"
Award of Merit-LSU, "Forever LSU Thanksgiving Card"
Award of Excellence-Cunningham Group, "Dixie Electric Company Light Bulb Box"
2009 LANTERN-Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, "Shatter the Silence Poster"
2009 LANTERN-Sides & Associates, "Central Ohio Public Information Network (COPIN)"
2009 LANTERN-University of Alabama, "2008 Communicator"
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SPRF CHAPTER AND MEMBER NEWS
PRAM Central's Christensen and Paulk Earn APR
Jackson, MS - Susan Christensen of Brandon, director of public relations at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, and Kara G. Paulk, public relations coordinator at Millsaps College in Jackson, both recently earned their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation. They join 16 other members of the Central Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) who are Accredited.
"Accreditation is important to the public relations profession, because of the high standards, ethics, and expectations it sets for the industry," said Kathryn Rodenmeyer, APR, Mosaic Media, Inc. and APR Chair for PRAM-Central Chapter "When a public relations practitioner decides to pursue accreditation, prepares for the rigorous course of study and successfully passes the exam, they are standing firm for the ideals of professionalism in the field and committing to a lifetime of work in the profession."
To earn the APR credential, Christensen and Paulk completed a comprehensive program that included a presentation and portfolio review before a panel of three Accredited public relations professionals and a computer-based Examination-both assessing the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena. Just under 70 percent of those professionals pursuing the designation successfully earn their APR.
APR, administered nationally by the Universal Accreditation Board, is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. The designation is earned based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment. Within the four-state Southern Public Relations Federation, 110 members are Accredited, including the 32 Accredited professionals in PRAM.
 Christensen is a board member of the Central Chapter of PRAM and a recipient of the chapter's Emerging Practitioner and Practitioner of the Year awards. She has also been awarded several statewide and regional awards for her public relations work. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mississippi. Prior to working for Methodist Christensen was a writer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and also a feature writer for the Clarion-Ledger. She is married to Clarion-Ledger sportswriter Mike Christensen, and they have two children.  Paulk is an active member of the Central Chapter of PRAM. She has been employed with Millsaps College for two years where she develops public relations strategies, serves as the primary contact for media, coordinates undergraduate recruitment materials, and writes and edits copy for campus publications. Previously, she worked for Oxford-University United Methodist Church as communications coordinator. A native of Senatobia, she is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Mississippi. She currently resides in Jackson with her husband, Ryan Paulk, a pharmacist with CVS. "It is a milestone in a practitioner's career. We are thrilled that Susan and Kara made the commitment to the process, achieved this designation for themselves, and set a positive example for our PRAM-Central members," Rodenmeyer added.
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PRAL-Baton Rouge's Hoggard Earns APR
 PRAL Baton Rouge Chapter's (PRAL BR) congratulates its latest member to obtain Accreditation in Public Relations (APR): Jesse T. Hoggard, APR.
Hoggard is the director of Communications for LouisianaTechnologyPark. Before joining the Tech Park, he was the director of marketing at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. He has held positions with LSU's Center for Computation & Technology and served as an adjunct professor at LSU in the Manship School of Mass Communication.
An alumni of Louisiana State University, where he obtained a bachelor of arts degree in Mass Communication in 2004 and a master of arts degree in Marketing Management and Organizational Development in 2007, his thesis on interactive advertising was selected for presentation at the Association of Educators in Mass Communication and Journalism conference in 2008. Hoggard is the vice president of the Louisiana Association of Young Professional Organizations. He also is an active board member of both Forum 35 and PRAL BR.
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Connect with PRAM on Facebook
The Public Relations Association of Mississippi now has more than 100 fans on Facebook. Are you one of them?
PRAM is posting updates about activities, photos from events, and links to industry content. It's also a great way to connect with other PRAM members throughout the state.
If you a member of the popular social networking site, it's easy to become a fan of PRAM. Just search for "Public Relations Association of Mississippi" and go to the association's page.
PRAM also has a group on the business networking site LinkedIn.com.
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Connect with PRAL on LinkedIn!
Let others know you're involved with our local professional organization ... on PRAL's LinkedIn page (search for Public Relations Association of Louisiana-Baton Rouge Chapter). Join or begin discussions about public relations in our area, get information on the speakers for our monthly luncheons or suggest speakers and new topics and get updates on the 2010 Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) Conference that will be hosted in Baton Rouge!
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PRAM Seminar De-Spookifies Social Media
The Mississippi Beach chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) held a half-day seminar on how businesses can incorporate social media into their communications activities Oct. 29 in Biloxi.
PRAM-MSB invited Kellye Crane, of Crane Communications in Atlanta, to speak on "De-Spookifying Social Media." She covered various social networking sites and their practical applications to businesses. From blogs to Twitter, Crane presented a conversational explanation of social media that benefited those new to the subject and veterans alike. The nearly 50 public relations and marketing professionals who attended left with a better grasp of how social media is influencing traditional media and changing how people share and receive information.
According to Crane, users of social networking in a business can more directly influence customers. With social networking surpassing e-mail in terms of message communication, companies can benefit by using new influentials, building new relationships and gaining direct customer marketing insights. By building a good reputation on the web, organizations are also able to have more influence into messages communicated by others.
Crane also covered several other websites used in professional social networking functions including: www.flickr.com for sharing pictures, www.youtube.com for sharing videos, www.LinkedIn.com for professional business profiles, and even websites used to track viewership and ratings of other businesses (www.yelp.com). The full presentation is available online by clicking here.
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ECPRO NEWS
This year, ECPRO is marketing itself at local chamber breakfasts by donating two free certificates to attend an ECPRO "Lunch and Learn". Prior to drawing the winning ticket. A small blurb is given stating date, time and place of ECPRO meetings and that at each meeting a guest speaker will present the best practices in marketing, public relations and advertising. It's also stated that the "Lunch and Learns" are great for anyone looking for pointers on how to optimize business in a down economy.
We feel this is reaching more potential members than paid advertising. Chamber coffee attendees usually number around 200 from a variety of businesses.
 (Pictured Left) Shown flanked by ECPRO Members Jean Dutton and Ken Hair, Nicole Nicholas, Travel Agent/Office Manager for Have Travel Memories was the winner of two free lunches at an ECPRO "Lunch and Learn" meeting. The prize was presented at a Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce coffee.
 (Pictured Right) New ECPRO members received their certificates and pins at a recent meeting. From left to right: Mike Wright-Reynolds (returning member after receiving a door prize given at a chamber coffee of two free ECPRO lunches), Toni Richardson, Katie Crowell, Scott Noble and Christina Copeland.
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PRCA NEWS The latest PRCA state newsletter is now live, online and ready to read. Here's the link
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PRCA announces its 2010 Board of Directors: Jennifer Jenkins, APR - President Lucy Arnold Sykes - President-Elect Robyn Bridges - VP Programs Kinnon Phillips, APR - VP Communications Amy Reagan, APR - VP Accreditation/Ethics Nia Johnson - VP Students Becky Booker - VP Membership Lara Lewis - VP Projects Melissa Bullard, APR - Secretary Josh Till - Treasurer/2011 Conference Treasurer Janet Griffith - Member-at-Large Kay Yarbrough, APR - Member-at-Large Sam Williams - Member-at-Large Lori Miller - Member-at-Large and SPRF Representative Jody Seal, APR - 2011 Conference Chair/Programs Lori Moneyham - 2011 Conference Registration Chair Leigh Perry Herndon - 2011 Medallion Awards Chair Nan Baldwin, APR - Immediate Past President |
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About SPRF
Founded in 1972, SPRF is a regional network of nearly 1,500 public relations professionals from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and north Florida who share a common interest in the public relations profession.SPRF exists to further the professional and networking interests of today's public relations and communication professionals in private, public and nonprofit businesses and organizations. Along with networking, SPRF serves to advocate on behalf of and assist its members through ongoing professional development and defining ethical behavior.
SPRF, along with eight other regional and national public relations organizations, is a participating member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), the national body which administers the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) mark. Members certified as APRs have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena. |
SPRF wants your chapter news!
No matter how big or small, please make it a habit to send your chapter news to SPRF for posting region-wide. Make sure to check out the latest SPRF news on our website at www.sprf.org
Send us your job postings, new positions, chapter or member news.
You can do this by contacting Pam Swain at (662) 234-4651 or pam@oxfordms.com.
Pam Swain
VP Communications
Southern Public Relations Federation
THANK YOU!
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