2011 PRism Awards Call for Entries      

PRSA National Task Force Urges Approval of National Dues Increase 

 

A Word From Marisa Valbona, APR, Fellow PRSA, Western District Director 

 

If you've been following the news from PRSA, you know that 2010 was a challenging year financially for the Society. While PRSA realized a modest net surplus from operations, we anticipate an even smaller net surplus this year; basically, around the "break-even" point. This will inhibit investments in new products, services and member benefits, and virtually eliminate PRSA's ability to cover any unanticipated expenses or losses on PRSA's product and service offerings.

As a result, a Task Force engaged by the Board of Directors to evaluate the Society's financial condition has recommended to the Board that PRSA increase the cost of its member dues by up to $50. On that basis, the Board voted to introduce a motion at this year's Leadership Assembly to increase the cost of dues by $30.

The Task Force's rationale in making its recommendation was simple and straightforward:

• PRSA has not increased the cost of its membership dues in 10 years, even though the cost of doing business has risen over that time.


• Membership dues, which account for approximately 50 percent of PRSA's revenue, have remained steady, but other revenue streams, such as professional development and Jobcenter, have declined.


• Over that same 10-year span, PRSA has increased the scope and number of benefits it delivers, and member satisfaction is high.


• PRSA also has been diligent about finding new ways to diversify its non-member revenue sources, and already has cut $1.5 million in operating expenses from its budget.


• An increase in the cost of membership is now vital to our continued reinvestment in the Society.

A blog post from PRSA National Treasurer Phillip Tate, APR, explains in greater depth why the increase is necessary; details the cost-control and revenue generation steps that were taken in an attempt to avoid an increase; and previews the type of Member benefits that the dues increase is intended to provide for you and for all PRSA members.

While I urge you to support the dues increase as proposed, your comments, suggestions, ideas and questions will help us ensure PRSA best meets your professional goals and aspirations. Please feel free to contact me directly at marisa.vallbona@prsa.org.

 At Breakfast With...Ethnic Media 

 

 

Tuesday, July 26

Southern California Gas Co.   

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  

 

 

With one-third of the nation's population living in multicultural communities, ethnic media outlets now enjoy a more powerful voice than ever.

At PRSA-LA's next At Breakfast With... event, representatives from several ethnic media outlets will be on hand to discuss the type of news they cover and how public relations professionals can best capture their attention. A continental breakfast will be served.

The list of panelists includes:

• Andrea Carrion, Staff Reporter, Hoy Newspaper

• Teresa Chao, Staff Reporter, The Epoch Times

• Brad Pomerance, Reporter & Host, CNN Headline News, Local Edition (Time Warner Cable)

• Don Wanlass, Associate Publisher, The WAVE Newspapers

Advance reservations are required.  RSVP to Alfredo Padilla at alfredo@prsala.org, or 818.902.0074.  Fees of $10 (for PRSA-LA and YP Members), $20 (non-members and guests), or $5 (PRSSA student members) are payable at the door.

Refer Your Colleagues to Join PRSA, Help Spark a Career     

 

Help spark your colleagues' careers by referring them to join PRSA and they will save  $65 off the cost of membership -- thanks to a waived initiation fee.

PRSA is a  professional community committed to advancing the profession and the professional.

Benefits of PRSA National membership:

• Find answers to your most pressing PR questions


• Meet colleagues, engage with experts and receive professional support


• Stay on top of emerging public relations trends and industry news


• Have opportunities to participate in leadership and awards programs


• Benefit from members-only offers, including discounts on professional development seminars, conferences and events

With PRSA-LA Chapter membership you will:

• Learn about business development and job opportunities in your local community


• Earn recognition through industry awards


• Become a visibly engaged member of your local PR community while expanding your circle of colleagues and contacts


• Attend local seminars, meetings, luncheons, receptions and programs


• Volunteer for committee and leadership roles and advocate for the PR profession

New members can sign up and use the promo code (summer11) to receive the special savings.  Be sure to sign up for the Los Angeles Chapter while you're at it!

Direct questions about Membership to Kathleen Flood at kathleen@prsala.org.

$10,000 for YOUR Favorite Charity! Apply for the Don Perkins Community Service Grant    

Application Deadline: August 31, 2011  

 

For more than 20 years, PRSA-LA has awarded the Don Perkins Community Service Grant to a qualifying Southern California non-profit organization with a demonstrated need for public relations support to advance its mission. This community service fund was created by an endowment from the late Don Perkins, a long-time Los Angeles public relations practitioner and journalist.

 

Applying for a Don Perkins grant is simple. Applicants are judged on their understanding of public relations and ability to articulate PR strategies to advance their missions.  As PRSA-LA members, you play a critical role in helping local nonprofits access this incredible opportunity. 

 

The endowment requires that either a PRSA-LA member in good standing, or a counseling firm or agency that has at least one PRSA member on staff, assist in managing the non-profit's public relations program made possible by the grant.

 

Non-profit organizations providing services or programs (churches and religious institutions excepted) located throughout PRSA-LA's chapter area are welcome to apply. This includes any organization registered as a 501(c)3 in the State of California that resides in these areas: Los Angeles County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Kern County.

   

Get started now! View the Overview and Eligibility Guidelines, which include a link to our new easy-to-use online application form. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2011. The winning charity will be presented a check for $10,000 at the PRism Awards Show on Nov 9.

Questions? Contact PRSA-LA Board Member and Committee Chairperson Stephan Roth at stephan@prsala.org or 323.951.0059.