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| LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings!
Jarrod Ravencraft | Summer is officially here, and it's HOT everywhere in the SPRF region! I hope you are enjoying time off, travel and visiting with family and friends.
Our members, their families and friends, and everyone affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico are in our thoughts. I encourage all of you to do what you can to help in the recovery stages of this disaster.
It's important that SPRF advocates on your behalf and continues providing professional development and advancing the public relations profession. I have listed some current, ongoing benefits so you know how SPRF is working for you.
2010 Annual Conference - This is the first year we're headed to Baton Rouge, La. Whether you're looking for creative inspiration or hard-hitting instruction, "Evolution 2010" will help you acquire the tools you need to build successful campaigns and projects, connect with other professionals in the region and reenergize your career. We're staying at the newly restored Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center overlooking the Mississippi River in the center of art and culture in downtown. I hope to see you September 26-28. We've made it economical for you; so, click here and register today.
Vendor Fair Opportunities - Do you want more clients? There is a great opportunity to increase your client base by becoming a vendor at the 2010 SPRF Annual Conference. Contact Kim Collins, APR or Ashlee Reid for more information. SPRF Silent Auction - We know all about highlighting the treasures in our organizations. This year's conference will give us the opportunity to highlight the treasures in our hometowns, see the treasures that the other cities and towns across our region hold and even take a few of those treasures home. For more information contact Caron Blanton, APR. Legends Student Competition - In this first-ever regional competition, students will work with organizations in their communities to develop a comprehensive public relations plan. Recognition awards will be announced at the Annual Conference. Contact Vice President Student Services Joy Carter, APR or click here to view an information packet. Deadline is August 20.
Chapter of Distinction (COD)- In the second year of this program, local chapters from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi have the opportunity to evaluate annual activities for continuous improvement in the function, outreach and benefits to members and communities. The program honors local chapters in eight categories and awards the Jamie Palmer Chapter of Distinction and President of the Year. Contact COD Committee Chair Sabrina McLaughlin, APR, or click here for more information. Deadline is July 30.
Regional Awards Programs - The Lantern Awards deadline has passed, but you can find out who's being honored this year at the Annual Conference. ECPRO, PRAL, PRAM and PRCA are in the process of selecting their nominees for this year's Professional Achievement Award and Educator of the Year. Local chapters are currently selecting members to receive the Senior Practitioner designation. For information on these programs, contact Lori Miller, vice president professional development, or log on to sprf.org.
Senior Leadership Council - Click here and learn about the founding members, past presidents, board members and other sundry "Grovers" who have made a significant contribution to the field of public relations. At the Annual Conference, we'll find out who will be inducted as part of the inaugural class of the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame. Contact Adam Kelley, APR, past president.
Accreditation / APR - A new credentialing effort for military, contractor and Department of Defense public communication professionals began May 26. SPRF represents you as a participating member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and offers a subsidy for members who take the exam. Contact John Forde, APR, or Missy Laborde, APR, who represent SPRF on the UAB, or click here.
Online Membership Directory - Please make sure your information is updated in the directory. For questions, contact Susan Broussard, APR, vice president membership.
Website - We offer opportunities for you to promote conferences, meetings, professional achievements and any other type of public relations information. To learn more, contact Pam Swain, vice president communications.
SPRF is offering benefits to state organizations and local chapters to receive web services at a low cost. Following our "umbrella" model of focusing SPRF efforts on responsibility for mutual state organization/local chapter needs, this service is intended to save state organizations/local chapters money, improve SPRF value to you and make membership in your organization more desirable. For more information, have your state organization or local chapter communication officer contact me.
I hope you have a great summer, and I look forwarding to seeing you in Baton Rogue in September. The board welcomes your questions and feedback. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the public relations profession. Please contact me if I may be of assistance to you or your local chapter.
Sincerely,
Jarrod Ravencraft
President
Southern Public Relations Federation |
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2010 SPRF Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Three Jam-Packed Days of Information, Inspiration, and Fun
 The Public Relations Association of Louisiana is proud to host the 2010 Southern Public Relations Federation Conference. This is first year the conference will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on September 26- 28, 2010.
Whether you're looking for creative inspiration or hard-hitting instruction, the "Evolution 2010" SPRF Conference will help you acquire the tools you need to build successful campaigns and projects, connect with other professions in the region, and help you reenergize your career. Held at the beautiful, newly restored Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, the three-day conference features speakers covering topics ranging from integrated communications and social media to how to establish a solo practice and how to successfully navigate the changing media landscape. The information you take away from this year's conference will have an immediate impact on your work and help you grow your network. 
Don't miss Jean Gatz, our Monday morning keynote speaker ( www.jeangatz.com). Jean will be discussing the topic of her new book, Business As Usual is Over, The Survivor's Guide for Change-especially relevant in these economic times. We also have Gloria Dittus of Dittus Communications and Story Partners ( www.storypartnersdc.com). Wired Magazine called Gloria the nation's first "public affairs PR maven." PR News named her the "Public Affairs Executive of the Year," a distinguished honor among public and government affairs professionals. Gloria was also on Washington Business Journal's list of "25 Women Who Mean Business." Other conference topics will include: > Increasing Employee Engagement Through Internal Communications
> Personal Branding Era: Opportunities and Threats
> Media Training Refresher
> How Email marketing Augments Public Relations Campaigns
> Kicking the Tires, Vetting the Client: Advice for Solo, Independent and Freelance Pros
 Our media panel, comprised of broadcast and print journalists and news producers from the region will discuss the topic of "What to Expect in the Changing Media Landscape." And, what could be more relevant to our region than the current situation taking place in the Gulf. We'll have one representative from each SPRF state on our crisis communications panel discussing how their state and organizations have worked with the other entities involved to get correct and consistent messages out to the media and other target audiences.
See more speakers and topics and register for the conference at www.Evolution2010.com
We have three first-ever events at the 2010 SPRF Conference:
Sunday night's Welcome Reception will be set on the Hilton's swanky pool deck that overlooks the Mississippi River. You don't get a better sunset view than that. And, come and enjoy some Louisiana flavor with Kevin Sekhani and his band - www.kevinsekhani.com
We're planning a Wine Walk through downtown Baton Rouge Monday evening that will give conference goers a chance to mingle and network with fellow professionals.
Last but not least, come and find out who captures all of SPRF's top honors at the Lantern Awards and Monday's luncheon awards program.
As we say in south Louisiana....Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll.
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2010 SPRF Conference Vendor Fair Opportunities
Do you want more clients? Increase your client base by becoming a vendor at the 2010 SPRF Annual Conference, " Evolution" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana September 26-28. We will invite over 1,500 public relations, marketing and advertising professionals to attend. You will have the opportunity to promote your company's services to top decision makers and build relationships with leading professionals in the field from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. SPRF VENDOR FAIR PACKAGES· PACKAGE A - $525 Booth & Full Conference Registration · PACKAGE B - $350 Booth Only · PACKAGE C - $150 Support and Display resources · Vendor booths include: 6x6 ft. skirted display table, 2 folding chairs, 1 waste basket LOCATION FEATURES· Baton Rouge Hilton Capitol Center is a historic AAA Diamond hotel centrally located in the arts and entertainment district of Baton Rouge · On-site steak and Cajun cuisine at The Kingfish restaurant, drinks at Kingfish lounge, Huey's Coffee Shop, spa treatments and massages at Atelier Rouge Hair & Body · Explore the Shaw Center for the Arts, which is home to the LSU Museum of Art and Manship Theatre, and check out the rooftop sushi bar, Tsunamis, is located across the street CONFERENCE FEATURES
· "Business As Usual is Over, The Survivor's Guide for Change" · "A Formual for Fueling Agency New Business Through Social Media" · "Marketing Super Bowl 2013" · "Personal Branding Era: Opportunities & Threats" · "How Email Marketing Augments Public Relations Campaigns" · "Increasing Employee Engagement Through Internal Communications" · "Kicking the Tires, Vetting the Client: Advice for Solo, Independent & Freelance Pros" It will be the best way for you to reach PR professionals from across the South. If you have questions, please contact Kim Collins, APR at 662-321-1043 or kim@collinspr.com or Ashlee Reid at lauren.ashlee.reid@gmail.com. Also, visit SPRF.org for more information about the upcoming conference. SPRF Hotel Rate is $109 plus 9% tax, visit www.hilton.com or call 800-955-6962 or 225-344-5866. |
Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame to Debut at SPRF Conference
Thank you to everyone who made a nomination to the new Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame. The committee received several nominations by the June 4 deadline. The inaugural induction ceremony will be held at the SPRF Conference in September in Baton Rouge, La. We invite you to plan to be a part of this exciting event!
An award will be presented to each individual inducted at the conference. An engraved plate will also be affixed to a wall plaque to be housed and displayed prominently outside the John Grisham Room at the Mississippi State University library. The Hall of Fame is co-sponsored by the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame and the Mississippi State University Department of Communications.
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SPRF Students Compete for Legends Honor
 Students from across the region are invited to compete in the first-ever SPRF Legends Competition. The Legends, named in honor of the PR legends and teachers who fathered and who have nurtured our profession, is the premiere student competition for our organization. It is open to SPRF member students -- individuals or teams. Each individual/team will select an organization in its community to work with to develop a comprehensive PR plan, including research, planning, execution and measurement. The top three finalists will be invited to present their campaigns to a panel of judges at the SPRF Conference in Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 26-27. All entries will also be considered for awards of recognition in the categories of creativity, writing, resource management and use of new media. (Multiple projects may be selected in each of these categories.) These recognition awards and the overall winner will be announced during the first Legends Competition Ceremonies at the conference. Click here for Guidelines and Rules. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, August 20. Finalists will be notified by Friday, September 3. For more information contact Whitney Breaux, student services chair for the 2010 SPRF Conference, at 225-382-3577 or whitney@visitbatonrouge.com; or Joy Carter, APR, SPRF vice president of student services, at 205-325-4735 or jcarter@acipco.com. |
| 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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SPRF Now Offering Constant Contact and Survey Monkey to Members
SPRF is pleased to offer its Constant Contact and SurveyMonkey accounts to its membership for all SPRF-related business. To inquire and make arrangements, please contact Jarrod Ravencraft, Pam Swain or Kim Collins, APR to get started... | | 2010 SPRF Board Meetings
July 9 - 10 p.m., Conference Call
Sept. 26 - 3 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La. (at SPRF Conference)
Dec. 9-10 - Meridian, Miss. (time TBA, Board Retreat and Transition meeting) |
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SPRF Silent Auction to Highlight Treasures from Around the Region
As public relations professionals, we know all about highlighting the treasures in our organizations. The 2010 Southern Public Relations Federation Conference in Baton Rouge will give us the opportunity to highlight the treasures in our hometowns, see the treasures that the other cities and towns across our region hold and even take a few of those treasures home.
The 2010 SPRF Conference will include a Silent Auction, giving all SPRF members a chance to highlight the treasures in your hometown. Is your hometown also the home of a famous athlete, a renowned author or artist, an accomplished musician or a restaurant known throughout the South? If so, please plan to highlight them and help raise funds for SPRF at the same time!
By donating an item to the Silent Auction, you have the opportunity to showcase your town and highlight its treasures. There are lots of items that would be a big hit:
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A college football signed by the coaching staff
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A basket with a signed cookbook, food items and a restaurant gift certificate
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A bag filled with beauty potions, scented candles and a gift certificate for a day at a spa
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A bucket holding a t-shirt, bottles of barbeque sauce and a gift certificate for dinner for two at a world-famous barbeque restaurant
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Hand-made, one-of-a-kind items, such as jewelry, pottery and artwork
Local convention and visitors' bureaus love showing off the jewels of their cities and towns, so you may want to contact them about donating a basket of items to encourage SPRF members to visit their cities next. Hopefully, every chapter and state organization will be represented with at least one item in the Silent Auction. When you decide what you would like to donate, you may either ship the items to Caron Blanton, APR, Mississippi Department of Education, 359 North West Street, Suite 310, Jackson, MS 39201 or bring the items to the SPRF Conference with you. If you choose to bring your item to the conference, please e-mail Caron with a full description of the item, name of the donor and the value of the item. The SPRF Conference will be held September 26-28, 2010, in Baton Rouge and offers us a wonderful opportunity to take home good ideas, great memories and even a new treasure for our home, office or ourselves! |
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SPRF APR Summer Update
Submitted by Dr. John E. Forde, APR
SPRF Vice President of Accreditation
Dr. John E. Forde, APR |
SPRF Friends and Colleagues,
I hope everyone is having a great summer and hopefully having some time to relax. I continue to think about our colleagues who are dealing with the disaster in the Gulf, and we pray that soon much of this situation can be resolved. We are all learning many public relations lessons by watching various players in this catastrophe. We continue to enjoy working for SPRF with the Universal Accreditation Board. Missy LaBorde, APR, has become a vital contributor in her first year on the UAB (as we knew she would). I am chairing the Examination, Preparation, and Professional Development Work Group that Missy also serves on, and we are providing input in other areas as well. For those accredited, PLEASE encourage others to consider this important professional advancement as soon as possible. We have had very few accredited in the past few months, although I know of many individuals and groups currently preparing. We would love to add to our total of SPRF members accredited very soon. Additional resources continue to be added to assist candidates in their preparation. Many of our local and state organizations are planning APR events in the near future. PRCA is scheduling an APR Jump Start on August 28 in Montgomery. Look for more information coming soon, but in the meantime contact Amy Reagan, APR, at 256-461-5888 or amy.l.reagan@boeing.com or Lori Quiller at 334-206-3015 or Lori.Quiller@adph.state.al.us for more information. A major announcement was made several weeks ago that provides additional public affairs and communication certification opportunities for our military colleagues and those in related areas. APR+M launched in late May after a great deal of work by many of our UAB members and partners in other organizations. This is a joint effort between the UAB, the U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Public Affairs Support Element (JPASE), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The new program is available for Active and Reserve/Guard U.S. military members, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense civilians, and military contractors working primarily in public affairs. A detailed article is posted on our home page at www.sprf.org. There is additional information also available at www.praccreditation.org/apr_m/ highlighting all procedures.
Work continues on developing a pre-certification program for public relations students as they are graduating. You will hear more specifics about this in coming months, but all feedback about the broad concept has been very positive. The UAB and related associated organizations are working on the details now.
Our updated Study Guide will be completed in June and available through www.praccreditation.org/Forms.html on the main APR site. The Coach's Guide will also be updated soon after.
Please encourage everyone interested in sitting for a Readiness Review to mark the SPRF Conference in Baton Rouge for September 26-28 on the calendar. We will have session times available and announced soon. Candidates should contact their local, regional, or state APR contacts or me, and then we will work with the conference planners to coordinate the rooms. Remember that these sessions are confidential for the candidates, unless they choose to tell more than the small number of people who are involved with administering the process.
We will have several UAB conference calls this summer to discuss committee progress and plans for the remainder of 2010 and beyond. Our next in-person meetings are September 12-13 in New York. We'll then have a brief informal meeting during the PRSA Conference on October 16-19 in Washington D.C. for anyone attending the conference. Please remember that the goal of all UAB activities is to enhance the value of APR for all of us!
As always, please provide any suggestions to Missy or me at any time. We can also forward information to any of the other eight Participating Organizations in the UAB to broaden our SPRF impact.
Thanks for what all of you do for SPRF. Stay cool this summer, and we'll see you in Baton Rouge - if not before!
John
Dr. John E. Forde, APR
SPRF Vice President of Accreditation 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.eduwww.comm.msstate.edufacebook.com/Dr.John.E.Forde.APR. twitter.com/JohnEFordeAPR ____________________________________
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 |
Stay connected through SPRFs Facebook and Linkedin Pages
 Do you love keeping up with all your friends and colleagues on Facebook and Linkedin? If so, you'll definitely want to join the SPRF Facebook and Linkedin groups and check out the latest PR discussions and postings of information about upcoming SPRF events!
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List YOUR Events on the SPRF Master Calendar
Are your chapter's meetings listed in the SPRF Master Calendar at www.sprf.org? If not, don't get left out - send your meeting dates (i.e., PRCA-Birmingham typically meets the first Thursday of each month) to Pam Swain so you can get your meetings promoted across the region. So far PRCA-Birmingham, PRCA-Montgomery, PRAM-Central, PRAM-Mississippi Beach, PRAM-Oxford/Ole Miss, ECPRO, PRAL-Baton Rouge and PRAL-Alexandria are the only chapters listed. Don't get left behind! | |
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SPRF CHAPTER AND MEMBER NEWS
ECPRO News
 ECPRO Members Honored by Okaloosa County
In May, ECPRO members Linda Evanchek, journalism teacher at Choctaw High School, and Sherry Harlow, APR, Marketing Director at Eglin Federal Credit Union, were named to the Wall of Honor by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women. Each year a small group of women are recognized for their contributions to the community and their name is added to a plaque housed in the library of the University of West Florida Fort Walton Beach campus.
Lantern Competition Update
Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization is this year's host for the Lantern competition judging. Among the volunteers helping with this effort is one person who has made a major contribution to a smooth entry process. In addition to handling the online entry records and PayPal payments, committee member Jean Dutton has been diligently reviewing and organizing entries received at her residence. There were 146 submissions. Joe Purka, Lill Jennings, Sherry Kennedy, Deborah Thatcher, Kathy Newby, Ken Hair, and Sherry Harlow, APR are also helping with the Lanterns.
Following the judging, practitioners to be recognized at the Lantern Awards Banquet will be notified by email between July 6-9 so they may take advantage of early conference registration fees before the July 15 deadline.
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Cenla PRAL Cypress Award Recipients
The results are in and our first Cypress Awards was a huge success. Those that entered the competition ranged from professionals to students and members of PRAL to non-members. Here are the winners of this years's Cypress Awards.
Category 9-B Special Events $20,000+
Proctor & Gamble Mfg. Company
"40-year Open House Anniversary Celebration
Category 13-B Publications-External Magazine
Louisiana Forestry Association
"Forests & People Magazine"
Category 13-B Publications-External Magazine
Our Lady of the Lake Foundation
"Wee Believe"
Category 21-A Website Development/Internet
Cleco Corporation
"Cleco Energy Smart Website"
2010 Above & Beyond Award
Jennifer Nichols
Visual Concepts & Designs
Outstanding Creativity
KJA Communications Group
"W.O.R.K-Wall of Random Koolnez"
"KJA Mind Finds"
2009 Outstanding Board Member
Robin Cosenza Leadership Award
Susan Broussard, APR
Robin Cosenza
Missy Laborde, APR
Fran Phoenix
Outstanding Student Award
Bethany Frank, Northwestern State University
Kimberly Cowan, LSU Alexandria
Marlisa Quinney, Louisiana College
2009-2010 Practitioner of the Year
Bonnie Lemoine
Procter & Gamble
Pineville, LA
Award certificates were also given out to the following recipients:
Category 18-A Media Press Kit- KJA Communications Group; "W.O.R.K.-Wall of Random Koolnez"
Category 22-B Interactive Media- Weblog-KJA Communications Group; "KJA Mind Finds"
Category 14-C Special Prupose Publication- Cleco Corporation; "Hot Spot Activity Book"
Category 25 Potpourri- Cleco Corporation; "Dr. E Videos for Web"
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PRAM News
Public Relations Association of Mississippi Honors PR Practitioners
2010 PRAM Conference Attendees | The Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) recently honored public relations practitioners from around the state for outstanding work and service to the profession. The awards were announced during PRAM's state conference held April 8-9, 2010, in Natchez. South Mississippi resident Ron Barnes, APR received the organization's Professional Achievement Award. Barnes is the Vice President of Marketing and PR for Coast Electric Power Association, where he oversees residential and commercial marketing, public relations, and communications and leads a team of 11 employees. The Professional Achievement Award is given annually to a public relations practitioner and PRAM member whose accomplishments have made a major contribution to the profession. It is PRAM's top honor and recognizes excellence in the field of public relations. Recipients embody the highest degree of professionalism, serve their communities, are committed to advancing the profession and have outstanding achievements in the practice of public relations. PRAM named Leyla Goodsell as its Educator of the Year. She is a Visiting Professor of Practice in Public Relations at the School of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in PR. Prior to teaching, Goodsell practiced public relations in the non-profit sector for more than 12 years. A native of Thomson, Ga., she is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Kayla Bradley, a senior at Mississippi State University, received PRAM's first Student of the Year award, along with a $1,000 scholarship. Of the eight public relations students nominated from throughout the state, Bradley was selected for the award because of her academic excellence and leadership both on and off campus. The PRAM Student of the Year Program is an opportunity for PRAM to recognize and reward outstanding students in the field of public relations and provide them with support as they transition from school to career. The selection committee also awarded a $250 scholarship to MSU senior Jennifer Puhr. As part of PRAM's annual awards program, awards including PRism awards, Awards of Excellence and Certificates of Merit were given in 25 categories. From those, the judges also selected the Best of Show Award and Judges' Choice Awards.
Goodsell also led a team of USM staff, faculty and students that received the overall Best of Show Award for its work on the USM School of Mass Communication and Journalism's 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Best of Show among the student entries was awarded to Andrew Scott of the University of Mississippi for his entry in the Public Service Program category. Judges' Choice Awards were presented to Singing River Electric Power Association for its annual report and to the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast in the images category. The PRism awards began in 2003 as a way to honor and recognize outstanding work in the field of public relations by professionals within the state of Mississippi. The awards are judged by professionals outside the geographical boundaries of the Southern Public Relations Federation -- Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. The Public Relations Association of Mississippi ( pramonline.org) is composed of 10 local chapters geographically located throughout the state's major population centers. There are approximately 600 members from advertising and public relations agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, government, education, industries and others. PRAM provides numerous professional development opportunities to its members and is a state affiliate organization of the Southern Public Relations Federation ( sprf.org).
Coughlin joins The CPI Group
Coughlin | Columbus, Miss. - Meagan Coughlin joined the staff of The CPI Group, LLC as its new Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. Coughlin brings several years of experience from her nonprofit background with United Way of LowndesCounty. During her time with United Way, Coughlin served a dual role as the project coordinator for United Way and the director of the CommunityVolunteerCenter. She managed a variety of public relations tasks from volunteer recruitment, media relations, and coordinating special events.
Coughlin, a native of Starkville, received her bachelor's degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations from MississippiStateUniversity. She serves on the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) Board of Directors and is the past president of the Golden Triangle Chapter of PRAM. In 2009, Coughlin graduated from the ColumbusLowndesDevelopmentLinkLeadershipLowndesCounty and received the Dream 365 Unsung Hero Award. She was named the PRAM Golden Triangle Public Relations Practitioner of the Year in 2006. "We wanted to do a better job of educating our existing clients as well as informing potential ones on why our unique blend of staffing, HR consulting, and customized employee training capabilities sets CPI apart from the rest and Meagan will be instrumental in doing so," Mark Smith, president of The CPI Group, said. Coughlin will responsible for planning and implementing public relations programs, media relations, community relations, marketing, and client-relationship management programs. Founded in 1983, The CPI Group specializes in staffing, human resources, and staff development planning for private sector organizations, federal and state agencies, and their prime contractors. In 2008, The CPI Group ranked third overall in the Mississippi Business Journal's Fast 40: Mississippi's Fastest Growing Companies. The company received national recognition in ranking 242nd out of 500 companies in the Inc. Magazine Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. in 2007. For more information about The CPI Group please visit http://www.cpi-group.com or call 662.328.1042. _________________________________________________________________________________ PRCA News
PRCA Honors Several at State Conference
The Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) conducted their 2010 state conference in Auburn, AL. The "back to school" themed conference, hosted by the East Alabama Chapter, provided top professionals as speakers for the conference's outstanding professional development sessions. Speakers ranged from the President of a business consultancy firm, a media consultant and brand strategist both from L.A. California, a VP of public relations, and the President of a Top 5 Boutique PR Firm in the U.S. by PRWeek magazine.
Several area public relations professionals were awarded top awards. Hank Schmidt, of Montgomery, was awarded the 2009 Grover Smith Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors someone who has made a significant contribution to PRCA and the public relations profession. Hank was for many years the River Region United Way's Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Hank was responsible for raising more than $101 million dollars in funds for the United Way.
Darryl Gates, of Montgomery, was named as the 2009 Phillip R. Forrest, Jr., Professional Achievement Award recipient. This award is the highest honor bestowed by PRCA to a single practitioner who is outstanding in the field of public relations. Darryl is Vice President of Communications for the Alabama Rural Electric Association and the editor of Alabama Living, the association's 375,000-circulation monthly magazine.
Lisa Darnell, of North Alabama, was named as the 2009 Educator of the Year, an award recognizing an educator in the public relations field who has also demonstrated a commitment to advance in the profession of public relations. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Alabama (UNA).
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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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