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From the President
 | | Glen Duncan, APR |
Let's get right to the Point...
I certainly hope you all are planning to spend a few days with us in Point Clear, Ala., at the famous Grand Hotel. This conference will represent a milestone, and I am glad to see so many people have pre-registered. This, as you know, is the first conference planned by the Board of Directors of SPRF rather than by a local chapter. Have there been kinks to work out? Yes. Are we getting it perfect? No. But I think that could be said about every conference to date. In reality, each conference we've ever had has been a "first." Previously rotated between states, each conference committee was new each time, having to re-invent the conference planning process.
In order to learn how to plan a conference and keep that knowledge; in order to step up quality each and every year; in order to better serve our members; your board of directors took on all planning tasks this year and will plan future conferences.
One thing we learned is we will likely need a standing committee for the conference, which means an entirely new role at the SPRF board level - just for you to get involved.
We plan to continue to rotate the conference, and what we also have learned is we will need support from the local and state chapters where the conference will convene. We will be in touch with those leaders searching for a beneficial partnership each year.
One of the exciting notes from this year is the start-up of new chapters and a new state organization. I hope to recognize key colleagues at the conference who helped make this happen. Local Louisiana chapters reached out to neighboring cities to assist, advise and even provide money for new chapters, which led to the need to create a state-wide organization. I'm so proud to join in welcoming to SPRF a new state organization - Public Relations Association of Louisiana - and its officers (listed in an article in this issue.) Louisiana took its cues from PRAM and PRCA to learn how to operate at the state level; once again, colleagues helping colleagues.
Thank you fellow professionals for working so diligently and selflessly to grow SPRF, to come to the aid of professionals in cities wishing to start chapters and to step up to lead an entire state! Because of you,this conference is bound to be exciting, with professionals from new chapters and a new state organization joining us to start a tradition of excellence.
See you in Point Clear.
Sincerely,
Glen Duncan, APR
President
Southern Public Relations Federation
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Click here to register today.
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SPRF Conference Offers Top-Notch Programming
for Students, PR Professionals
by Kelly LeGuillon, Tulane University PR student
Do you ever have trouble getting to the point? The Southern Public Relations Federation can help.
The Southern Public Relations Federation is a network of more than 1,300 public relations professionals and students from Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi who share a common interest in the public relations profession.
SPRF has grown into the premiere networking and professional development organization for public relations professionals in the Gulf South. SPRF sponsors an annual professional development conference that rotates among its affiliates.
This year's conference will be in Point Clear, Ala. Oct. 2-4.
According to Kim Collins, APR, conference chair and owner of the Kim Collins Public Relations firm, anyone in the public relations field can benefit from attending. "The conference offers something for every level of public relations professional," she said.
The conference will feature nationally acclaimed speakers conducting sessions on topics ranging from virtual event promotion, crisis communication and hands on media relations training.
Eric Morgenstern, APR, Fellow PRSA, will be the opening speaker for the conference. As CEO of Morningstar Communications in Kansas City, Mo., he established a philosophy of "Think Excellence, Not Difference" to enable employees and clients to become leaders. He is one of only 15 SAGE (Strategic Advisors for Growth and Excellence) Counselors, within the Counselors Academy section of the Public Relations Society of America.
SPRF will offer some new activities at this year's conference.
"There will be an interactive media training which will be a more in depth, longer breakout session as well as a new member orientation this year," Collins said.
The interactive media training will be led by Dr. Joe Trahan III, APR, Fellow PRSA. Dr. Trahan has nearly 30 years of public relations/affairs experience in governmental, association, and educational and non-profit public relations. Since 1998, he has trained more than 3,500 people yearly in media relations.
In addition to speaking at the general sessions, Morgenstern and Trahan will lead break-out sessions to help conference attendees further hone their skills.
Another speaker, Rusty Smith, vice president and director of resource development and public relations for the United Way of West Alabama, hopes attendees can walk away ready to handle a crisis after his session on crisis communications.
"During a crisis, it is crucial to focus your efforts on the communication job at hand. It is easy to get caught up in the chaos surrounding a crisis, and therefore, your focus on communicating can be lost," he said.
Smith also hopes his session can benefit public relations veterans as well as new professionals. "Honestly, I'm sure I can learn more from many veteran PR professionals than they could learn from my session. But I think that's a key point for veterans to keep in mind...never have a closed mind and think you're the expert. If you have a closed mind to what others have to offer, you won't continue learning and getting better at what you do. The session could benefit a new public relations professional by hopefully encouraging him or her to have a plan in place prior to a crisis," Smith said.
Kristie Aylett, APR, president of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and vice president of communications for SPRF, has attended the conference since 2005 and is looking forward to this year's events.
"The professional development sessions at SPRF are always top-notch, but the highlights for me have been the awards. Celebrating with colleagues, whether it's their moment in the spotlight or mine, is always special. The conference is a great opportunity to expand your professional network or strengthen your ties with PR professionals across the region," she said.
She also sees the conference as a great opportunity for new PR professionals entering the field. "PR students and new professionals can learn a lot during the sessions, but they also witness the camaraderie of more senior practitioners. It's a great opportunity to talk with someone about PR careers, get advice, and make connections. You may leave the conference with new friendships, professional connections and maybe even a job lead," Aylett said.
The conference offers attendees an opportunity for networking and professional growth, which benefits all PR professionals.
"To get the greatest benefit of a professional organization, you need to do more than simply pay your dues. Being active, serving on committees, attending conferences and other events and getting to know other members helps you develop a reputation. You need to focus as much on nurturing your network as you do impressing your boss," Aylett said.
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Highlight Community, Organization Treasures at SPRF Silent Auction
As public relations professionals, we know all about highlighting the treasures in our organizations. The 2011 Southern Public Relations Federation conference in Point Clear 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 2011 SPRF Conference will include a Silent Auction, giving all SPRF members a chance to highlight the treasures from 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 bring the items to the SPRF Conference with you or contact Susan Broussard, APR. If you choose to bring your item to the conference, please email Susan with a full description of the item, name of the donor and the value of the item. The SPRF Conference will be held Oct. 2-4, 2011 in Point Clear, Ala. 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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Your Feedback Helps SPRF Provide The Programming, Benefits You Want
Complete the Membership Survey and You Could Win $50
As a member of the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO), Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) or Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), you are automatically a member of the premier regional organization for PR pros in the South -- the Southern Public Relations Federation (http://sprf.org).
- How much does the typical SPRF member earn?
- What percentage of members serve as their organization's spokesperson?
- Which member benefits are considered most important?
Curious about the answers? So is the SPRF board of directors.
Together, we can make the organization better and provide the benefits and programming you want as a PR professional. Your feedback is crucial to guiding SPRF's future.
Click here to take the 2011 Member Survey or copy/paste this URL into your browser: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SPRFmembers2011.
Those who complete the survey and provide their name at the end will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.
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Connect With Members and Stay Up to Date Through SPRF's Social Media Pages
Connect with SPRF and your fellow members through your favorite social media channels. SPRF maintains an active presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, posting job openings, event notices and much more.
 
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Congratulations to SPRF's Newest APRs
Congratulations to SPRF's newest accredited members: Abigail Gray Guasti, APR, and Sonia Simmons Robinson, APR from PRCA; and Nicole Bradshaw, APR, and Mara Hartmann Hicks, APR, from PRAM. |
| | Missy LaBorde |
Several individuals and study groups are making preparations to take the exam. If you are interested in pursuing this mark of excellence in public relations practice, contact your local or state accreditation chair. Those interested can also check out www.praccreditation.org for more information about the accreditation process.
Reminder: SPRF's accredited members will be recognized at the Opening Reception for the conference on Sunday, October 2 at 6 p.m. in Point Clear, Ala. Please register for the conference and make plans to join us! We look forward to seeing you there.
All the best, 
Melissa C. "Missy" LaBorde, APR
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SPRF Issues RFP for Website Redesign
Are you a talented programmer or website developer or do you know one?
The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) is currently soliciting proposals for the design, CMS development/ recommendation and site maintenance for its website, including membership database and records archive, at www.SPRF.org. Download the Request for Proposals for more information. Preference given to existing SPRF members.
Proposals are due via email to SPRF VP/Communications Kristie Aylett, APR, by Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, and a vendor will be selected by Oct. 5, 2011.
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State Association and Chapter News
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ECPRO News
Chapter News
Growing ECPRO Chapter to Host 2012 SPRF Conference
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization is now up to 38 members and growing. We can't wait to host the 2012 SPRF conference and will share exciting news about the plans during this year's conference.
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PRAL News
State News
PRAL Forms State Association
The Public Relations Association of Louisiana has grown from two chapters to five over the past few years, and is now guided by a state board of directors as its establishes a unifying organization. Chapters in Shreveport (Northwest) and New Orleans have been established in 2011, joining chapters in Baton Rouge, Lafayette (Acadiana) and Alexandria (Central Louisiana or CENLA). President is Amy Nolan, APR, formerly of the Baton Rouge chapter and now of the New Orleans chapter, to serve through 2012. Other officers are:
President-elect/VP of Programs: Tatum Lyles (CENLA)
VP of Awards: Jennifer Nichols (CENLA)
VP of Accreditation: Tracie Bertaut, APR (New Orleans)
VP of Communications/Secretary: Sonya Gordon, APR (Baton Rouge)
VP of Student Services: Sheila Hudson (CENLA)
Treasurer: Carolyn Cavell, CPA (New Orleans)
Each chapter is represented by two at large board members at the state level.
Chapter News
PRAL New Orleans Holds Social for New Members
The newly established PRAL New Orleans chapter held its first official event Sept. 13, with a "Sip and Socialize" gathering. More than 50 New Orleans area PR professionals attended the event, where they had an opportunity to network, meet members of the board and sign up for membership.
The first chapter luncheon will feature a panel of local PR pros, including
- Mark Roming, APR - New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
- John Deveney, APR, PRSA Fellow - Deveney Communications
- Betsie Gambel - Gambel Communications
- Virginia Miller - Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald
- Moderator: Dr. Cathy Rogers, Loyola University
The first chapter meeting will be held Tuesday, October 11 at Ralph's on the Park, with networking at 11:30 a.m. and the lunch and program to begin at noon. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
PRAL Northwest Forms in Shreveport
PRAL Northwest based in Shreveport is proud to join the regional PR network that is SPRF and PRAL. The chapter supports northwest Louisiana practitioners as they strengthen their local network. The chapter's membership campaign has recruited 30 official members to date.
"Hosting an environment where individuals can sharpen their skill set, share best practices and engage with industry-related professionals is critical for success," said chapter president Christy Canady, MBA, public relations and development for Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU Health Shreveport.
Chapter meetings began in May and are now held the first Thursday of each month, alternating featured guest speakers and networking opportunities. PRAL Northwest held its first "Coffee PRess" in August, where members discuss how PR is being handled for a current event and brainstorm improvements that could be made. Members can relate such incidents to their own experiences and seek advice for current projects from fellow practitioners.
The chapter coordinates activities that contribute to the knowledge base of its members and also invests in the community by way of bi-monthly projects to support local non-profit organizations. At the July meeting, the chapter collected donations for the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission.
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PRAM News
State News
PRAM Honors PR Practitioners, Students
The Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) 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 March 17-18, 2011, in Biloxi.
Susan Christensen, APR received the organization's Professional Achievement Award. Christensen is the director of public relations for Methodist Rehabilitation Center. In addition to her busy career, Christensen became accredited in public relations in 2008. She has served on various positions on the PRAM Central Board and has received numerous awards for her work. 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 Dr. John E. Forde, APR, Fellow PRSA as its Educator of the Year. He is associate professor and head of the department of communication at Mississippi State University. He was elected to the prestigious College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America in 2010. With his election, he became the first Fellow among the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. A member of the PRAM Starkville/Mississippi State Chapter and its founding president in 1992, Forde served as statewide president of the PRAM organization in 1992 and 1993. Elizabeth Fine, a senior at Mississippi State University, received PRAM's 2011 Student of the Year award, along with a $1,000 scholarship. Of the seven public relations students nominated from throughout the state, Fine 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 University of Mississippi senior Erin Parsons. 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.
Jana Bryant, Shelia White and Beth Taylor of the University of Southern Mississippi received the Best of Show Award for University Communications and the BP Oil Spill. The Best of Show among the student entries was awarded to Emily Laird of the University of Mississippi for her Sticks and Stones Campaign. Judges' Choice Awards were presented to Leyla Goodsell for the Southern Pines Animal Shelter's $100K Challenge and to Samantha Yeager for the Hattiesburg Clinic Social Media Program.
PRAM Website Publicizes Job Openings
The Public Relations Association of Mississippi is using its newly redesigned website -- http://PRAMOnline.org -- to publicize job openings in the public relations field. More than 10 jobs have been advertised since the site's launch this spring. While most listings come from PRAM member organizations, listings are welcome from any organization with a position that might interest members. Once posted, jobs are also promoted via PRAM's Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.
Chapter News
PRAM-Gulf Coast Awards Scholarship
Debbie Anglin, PRAM Gulf Coast chapter president (left) presents Pascagoula High School graduate Brady Sumrow with a $500 scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi where Brady majors in mass communications. At right is Dr. Chris Campbell, head of the mass communications department at USM.
Each year Gulf Coast PRAM presents a $500 scholarship to a student from Jackson or George counties who is majoring in the field of communications/public relations.
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PRCA NewsChapter News
PRCA North Alabama Sponsors Branding Seminar Sept. 21
How does your brand compete in today's market? How do you introduce change to an existing brand? How do you make sure your brand is recognized by your target audience? Join the North Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama for Effective Branding in 2011, with Dave Fletcher, co-founder of The Mechanism. Fletcher will not only share the skills and techniques of brand development that he has learned over the past decade, but also provide interactive learning opportunities for attendees. The seminar will allow attendees to work through real-life scenarios where they will be able to learn from fellow practitioners and then receive guidance from the expert. Fletcher currently serves as the North American executive creative director for The Mechanism, an international multi-disciplinary design firm that combines branding with today's social media tools. The firm believes the most important asset any company has is a complete corporate brand. A logo and well-formed identity is the starting point to which print, interactive, audio and motion graphics all follow. The Internet is a thread in the larger tapestry of brand building, communications and interface development. It can enable organizations to speak through many forms of media with a single voice. Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm CDT Where: Redstone Federal Credit Union Training Building, Wynn Drive, Huntsville, Ala. Fees: $35 for members, $40 non-members and FREE to students Register at www.naprca.org PRCA West Alabama Holds "PR Toolbox for Non-Profits" Sept. 22 The West Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama holds its annual PR Toolbox for Nonprofits on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, in Tuscaloosa. This workshop caters to nonprofit organizations, specifically in the West Alabama counties. The daylong event features speakers from successful nonprofits and PRCA West Alabama members in each session. The topics include: - Getting your story covered in traditional media
- Social media options to build an organization
- Creating a successful public relations plan
The keynote lunch speaker will be Stephen Black, president and founder of Impact Alabama, a successful statewide nonprofit organization that works with university students and local communities to implement projects to realize systemic change throughout the State of Alabama. The day will conclude with the opportunity for free one-to-one consulting for nonprofits with public relations professionals from PRCA. Participants will be able to consult with these professionals on topics such as communication planning, social media, pitching stories to traditional media and implementing PR campaigns. Registration, which is $25 per person and includes lunch and materials, is available at prcawa.com. For more information contact Teri Henley, VP Projects, PRCA/WA at henley@apr.ua.edu.
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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.
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