FPRA DP/PC Chapter

Exposure
Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
April 2013 

 

Jenny Baker
Jenny Baker
2012-2013 DP/PC Chapter President

I would like to congratulate the Media Spring Training committee for putting on a wonderful media breakfast. I know it was a lot of hard work, but well worth it for our members and community members. They brought local media representatives in to give valuable information on how to throw the best media pitches, and we were able to raise money for our chapter along the way. This committee was lead by chair, Rosa Driggs. Thank you all.

 

Don't forget our big community service and fundraising project is coming up on May 26. We encourage all our members to participate in the second annual Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk -- either helping organize the event, the day of or participating in the event. Please contact one of the co-chairs, Katy Martin (katy.martin@lrmc.com) or Marybeth Soderstrom (marybeth_soderstrom@polkworks.org) for more information. You can register for this event on our website at www.fprapolk.org.

 

Our accreditation study sessions are off to a great start thanks to Cindy Rodriguez. We still have a couple more if you would like to jump on board this year for help in guiding you through this process. Please contact Cindy (crodriguez@a-c-t.com) if you would like additional information or if you have any questions. 

 

Lastly, I would like to extend a thank you to the members who submitted their public relations projects to our annual local image awards this year. I can't wait until our April monthly meeting to see what awards will be given. Thank you to Marybeth Soderstrom for heading up this project for us this year. We will also be hearing about our chapter's history from Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC.

 

I hope to see you all at our next monthly meeting. 

 

Media Spring Training Event Wrap-up

 

Media Breakfast Panelist 2
Multimedia journalist Ryan Raiche with ABC Action News, communications director Mianne Nelson with PGTV and
News channel 10 anchor/reporter Tammie Fields were three of the five panelists on the TV/radio panel.
In lieu of the traditional monthly meeting we held a Media Breakfast on March 19. This baseball themed Media Breakfast was held at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and featured a panel of local media experts representing radio, print, television and digital outlets. Approximately 65 public relations professionals from throughout the county attended this event and were able to gain valuable information from the media panelists. In addition, many of our FPRA members spoke about their experiences in developing lasting relationships with local media partners.   

 

Media Breakfast Attendees 2
Attendee Kathleen Wallen talks with Hall Communications news director Andrea Oliver after the TV/radio panel.

 

Media Breakfast Attendees 1
Attendees and media representatives, including FOX 13's reporter Ken Suarez and The Ledger's Matt Reinstetle, look on during Neal Duncan's opening remarks.

 

Media Breakfast Panelist 1
The print/multimedia panelists represented a variety organizations. Left to right: The Ledger entertainment editor Matt Reinstetle, The Ledger asst. managing editor/Metro Lynne Maddox, The Ledger managing editor/digital Barry Friedman, Central Florida Media Group managing editor Celeste Walls, Polk Democrat/Ft. Meader Leader/Polk Times editor Jeff Roslow, and The Lakelander associate publisher Brandon Patterson.

 

Volunteer to Help with the DP/PC FPRA's Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk

 

Carillon Class race   

Plans for the DP/PC FPRA Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk are underway, and we need your help!  The event will take place on Saturday, May 25 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.  We need volunteers to set up on the afternoon of Friday, May 24, and we also need at least 75 volunteers on Saturday morning.  We are expecting up to 500 runners, and we need individuals to help direct runners through the gardens, take photos, register participants and more.  The 5k is one of our chapter's largest fundraising initiatives and proceeds will benefit our educational and networking initiatives, as well as the George W. Harris Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter. If you would like to volunteer, please email race co-chairs Katy Martin (Katy.Martin@LRMC.com) or Marybeth Soderstrom (Marybeth_Soderstrom@polkworks.org).

 

Also, please spread the word about the race to everyone you know!  You can start by "Liking" the Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk on Facebook.

 

Also, find all the race details here: http://bit.ly/FS1JwL

 

A special thank you to the incredible CC5K committee for their hard work.  And, an extra special thank you goes to VP Amy Wiggins for sharing her couch to 5k story as we promote the event. 
  
FPRE Foundation

 

The Florida Public Relations Education (FPRE) Foundation is an amazing resource, but it needs YOU!


While we can't control the economy, we can still make a difference.  We are encouraging every Dick Pope/Polk County FPRA Member to give $25.  The reason why?  If every FPRA member gives $25, it would raise $25,000 to help bridge the education gap for students and professional members!


Did you know...
 

Since 2001, 18 Student Scholarships have been awarded. Total:  $24,000

 

Since 2008, eight professional members were able to attend Annual Conference thanks to a scholarship. Total: $4,580

 
Since 2009, six scholarships have been awarded for attendance to the Counselors Network Winter Symposium. Total: $2,330


Since 2001, a total of 98 members have received a rebate from the FPRE Foundation that assisted them in completing their accreditation, earning the APR designation. Total:  $9,065

A grand total of $39,975 has been given back to assist in the professional and educational development of FPRA members. 

"One of the first things I always say about FPRA is that it taught me the public relations business. With 28 years of membership, it is a valuable resource for professional development, networking, and appreciating over and over what it has provided me - education, information, resources and scholarship support at the chapter level, as well as the state level.  That's why supporting the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation is vital to contribute to my fellow members and to the association that made it all happen for me.  Attending Annual Conference, Counselors Network and other professional development programs, plus seeking APR and CPRC credentials, not only strengthens your knowledge of the public relations business, it shows you the benefits of FPRA and FPREF for all of us."  Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC / Treasure Coast Chapter

Please remember the FPRE Foundation in your charitable giving.  Even a small contribution to this years campaign, and will make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and professional members.  To find out how to give to the FPRE Foundation, contact president-elect Katy Martin via email at
katy.martin@LRMC.com or phone at 863.608.1050.

 

April
Speaker

Bob Gernert 

Dick Pope: Who He Was, Why Our Chapter and Top Golden Image Award Bears His Name -- and Why You Should Care

 

In addition to our local Golden Image awards, enjoy a little history with Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC.

  

Bob is the Executive Director of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and a Cypress Gardens historian. He is a past DP/PC president, past state president and past state executive director. Just don't say he's passed.

 

Save these
Dates!

4/11/13 - April board meeting

 

4/17/13 - April monthly meeting - local Golden Image Awards!

 

5/15/13 - Bosses Day Luncheon

 

5/25/13 - Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk

 

Aug. 4-7, 2013 - Statewide Annual Conference

 

Happy
Anniversary!

 

Cassie Jacoby 4 - years

 

Sheree Saulter - 4 years

 

Rosa Driggs - 1 year

 


2013 Annual
Conference
The association's most anticipated professional development event will take place August 4-7, 2013 at The Vinoy in St. Petersburg, Florida. The registration fee is $695 and the room rate is $139 per night plus tax.

For conference topics, to register and additional information, please visit the state website.

2013 conference graphic

 

Chapter
Leadership

President
Jennifer Cooper Baker
Watson Clinic LLP
863.904.4654   

JBaker@watsonclinic.com 

 

President-Elect & Race
Katy Martin   
Lakeland Regional Medical Center
863.687.1122 ext. 2298   

katy.martin@lrmc.com

 

Immediate Past President
Daniel Kushmer 
Southwest Florida Water Management District
863.559.8062   

Danny.kushmer@watermatters.org

 

Vice President & Treasurer

Amy Wiggins
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
863.688.8551 ext. 229   

awiggins@lakelandchamber.com


Secretary

Kristin Guira Lawrence
ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
863.533.2000

kguira@a-c-t.com 

 

Fundraising Chair
Rosa Driggs
Polk County BOCC - Fire Rescue
863.701.5247   

rosadriggs@polkfl.com 

 

Programs & Newsletter
Jennifer Olivier
Florida Presbyterian Homes
863.577.6004   

jolivier@fphi.org

 

Local Image & Race
Marybeth Soderstrom
Polk Works
863.508.1100 ext. 1116   

Marybeth_soderstrom@polkworks.org

 

Community Involvement
Cassie Jacoby
Cassie Jacoby Media Services, Inc
863-206-6759   

cassiejacoby@gmail.com 

 

Student Liaison
Jessica Lawson
SPCA Florida
863.646.7722 ext. 105   

jlawson@spcaflorida.com 

 

Accreditation
Cindy Rodriguez
ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
863.533.2000   

Crodriguez@a-c-t.com 

 

Website/Social Media
Sheree Saulter
Webster University
863.687.9309   

shereesaulter00@webster.edu

 

Membership
Pamela Crain
Polk County Health Department
863.519.7900 ext. 11063  

pamela_crain@doh.state.fl.us

 

Publicity/PR/Communication 
Teresa Griffin
Polk County Public Schools
863.534.0698  

teresa.griffin@polk-fl.net

 

Fill-a-Bucket/Bag
Media Launch 

Chapter members are needed to participate in a photo op at Fire Rescue Peace Creek Station on Thurs., Apr. 18 at 10 a.m. The address is: 100 Rifle Range Road, Bartow, FL 33830

Chief Cash will have a fire engine as a back drop for the the TV crews to get some great shots. Along with FPRA President Jenny Baker, we'll have Polk School District Hearth Homeless Specialist Dee Dee Wright, Ben Pressentin, BB&T's city executive, whose bank has set aside $1 million to take care of homeless students in the Central Florida region, Florida Southern College PR students, who have adopted the project and are collecting products on campus, and as many FPRA members as possible.

We'll have a stuffing party at the end of May to donate the products before students leave for their summer break in early June. Stay tuned for details.

 

Please bring your donations of full-size products to our meeting each month!

 

shampoo/conditioner | bath soap deodorant |combs | washcloths

toothbrushes/toothpastebrushes

 
Quick
Links

Like us on Facebook



Follow us on Twitter




Meeting 
Sponsorship
Contact Rosa Driggs at rosadriggs@polkfl.com or
863.701.5247 if you would like to be
a monthly meeting sponsor. 
The cost
is only $100, and
includes one lunch.
 
Job 
Bank
Looking for a great public relations, communications, or marketing job opportunity? Visit our website (www.fprapolk.org) for the latest postings. Many of the top companies in the area post their jobs with us. Job listings are updated frequently, so please check back often while on your job hunt. 
 
Newsletter 
Notes
If you would like to submit content and photos for the newsletter, contact newsletter editor Jennifer Olivier at jolivier@fphi.org

Toot your horn! We are happy to include your new job/baby/ degree/
certification/promotion/wedding announcement, etc.