Dear (Contact First Name),

The PRSA-LA Board of Directors met recently for a strategic planning session where the over-arching theme was maximizing value for our members. Now, more than ever, we are committed to ensuring that the value of PRSA-LA membership far exceeds the cost. 

We have already started by making our popular "At Breakfast With" event series free to members. While other organizations are increasing fees, our Sponsorship Committee is working hard to keep our monthly program fees where they have remained since 2003. We're also expanding our members-only Job Board, enhancing resources on our Web site and expanding business referral and networking opportunities.

In addition, PRSA National is providing members with substantial discounts at FedEx and Office Depot, and is about to launch a health, dental, E&O, and life insurance program for members and their families. 

But even with all of these benefits, the best way to gain value from your PRSA-LA membership is to become actively involved in one of our chapter's 22 committees. It's the most effective way to increase your business network, gain new professional skills and develop lasting relationships.

Yes, economic times are tough, but that's all the more reason to keep your PRSA-LA membership active. As the late, great Gregory Peck once said, "Tough times don't last, tough people do."

 

Thursday, February 26th @ USC 
 

     Amgen

      Margery Kraus, President & CEO

     APCO Worldwide (and Chair Elect, Council of PR Firms)

      Moderated by:

     Geoff Cowan, Family Chair in Comm. Leadership
     USC Annenberg School for Communication 

 

 

     WHEN:           Thursday, February 26, 2009 

     6:00-7:00 pm   Networking Reception & Dinner Buffet
     7:00-7:30 pm   Keynote address by Paul Holmes
     7:30-9:00 pm   Panel on Global Recession and PR
     9:00-9:30 pm   Dessert Reception

      WHERE: 

     USC Annenberg School for Communication

     3502 Watt Way, LA 90089
     Suggested Parking @ Vermont St. Parking Plaza (PSA)

 

     COST:

     $35   PRSA-LA Members 

     $30   PRSA-LA YPs, Associate Members and 

             PRSSA Students

     $50   Non-Members and Guests

 

     RSVP: 

     Please register by February 24, 2009
     Late RSVPs add $10.

    
     * Online at http://www.acteva.com/go/prsala

     * By phone at (323) 461-2372

     * By check via mail to:
            PRSA-LA, 11271 Ventura Blvd.,

            #514, Studio City, CA 91604

 

      Note:  USC Alumni and USC Students should RSVP to

               http://www.annenberg.usc.edu/rsvp 
 

The New York Times proudly boasts "All the News That's Fit to Print." Captain Kirk invites Trekkies to "boldly go where no man has gone before." These are examples of great taglines or catchphrases.

L.A. Connect - PRSA-LA's eNewsletter - is seeking a new tagline of its own to complement our new masthead (designed by the good folks at Branded Legion), and we're calling on PRSA-LA members to help us come up with something distinctive.

Please send your tagline suggestions by March 15th to L.A. Connect Editor Erik Deutsch at erikd@excelpr.com. We'll announce the winning tagline in the next issue and reward the author with free admission to the PRSA-LA monthly program of his/her choice (a $35 value).

 

As part of our effort to practice what we preach, PRSA-LA continues to expand its Web 2.0 presence on major social media sites. Members are encouraged to use these vibrant online communities to connect with fellow PR pros, share information and become part of the online conversation.

Here's a brief list of social media sites where we have an established presence. If you haven't done so already, why not join PRSA-LA to start putting social media to work for you?

 

Visit our Facebook group frequently for member updates, photos, videos, etc. Don't forget to check out the discussion board and leave a note on our "wall."
 

Visit the chapter's LinkedIn group for updates and the opportunity to post questions and connect with fellow members.
 

 

 

Sign up for a Yahoo! ID and click on the purple "Yahoo! Groups" button to join the PRSA-LA group and take part in the discussion. 
 

 

 

It has become a tradition for PRSA-LA to kick off each new year with the popular "State of the State of PR" event. This year's edition held on Jan. 27th drew a large crowd of corporate, not-for-profit and agency professionals. The panel discussion was moderated by LABJ Editor Charles Crumpley, and featured some of L.A.'s most influential PR practitioners including Keisha Brown (LAGRANT Communications), Richard Kline (Occidental Petroleum), David Olson (Abernathy MacGregor Group) and Chris Ender (CBS Television). PRSA-LA extends a special thank you to iPressroom.com for sponsoring the event and creating the highlight video that can be viewed on PRSA-LA's Web site.

 

Calling PR Pros with 5+ Years of Experience

APR "Class of 2009" Now Forming!

Have you thought about pursuing accreditation in public relations? If you have five or more years of paid work experience in the PR profession, you're a candidate to earn the APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation. Earning the APR is a uniquely rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. It's an opportunity to sharpen your craft and distinguish yourself as a professional.
 
The first step is to request an application from the PRSA-LA Accreditation Committee and submit the completed form along with a non-refundable payment of $385.00 to cover the application and testing fee. Once accepted by PRSA National, you'll have one calendar year to: 1) study suggested review materials, 2) attend PRSA-LA's optional-but-highly-recommended prep classes (scheduled for mid-2009), 3) participate in an oral Readiness Review with APR peers from our chapter, and 4) schedule and take the written exam at an approved regional testing center.  

To request an application and receive first-person insight from a member who passed the exam in 2008, please contact Sallie Olmsted, APR, PRSA-LA Accreditation Committee Chair at solmsted@rogersandcowan.com. In the subject line please put "APR Application - [Your Full Name]".
 

  

 

 

PRSA-LA welcomes the following new members:

 

Your 2009 PRSA-LA Board of Directors is busy providing leadership on your behalf. You can meet these hard working volunteer men and women by clicking the link below. Board members with committee liaison responsibilities are listed along with their contact information. Please feel free to communicate your suggestions, ideas and/or interest in getting more involved to the appropriate board member.

 

 Meet the New Board