 | 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.
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| Media Spring Training Event Wrap-up |
 | 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.
 | | Attendee Kathleen Wallen talks with Hall Communications news director Andrea Oliver after the TV/radio panel. |
 | | 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. |
 | | 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. |
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| Volunteer to Help with the DP/PC FPRA's Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk |
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.
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| 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.
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April Speaker |
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.
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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
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Happy Anniversary! | |
Cassie Jacoby 4 - years
Sheree Saulter - 4 years
Rosa Driggs - 1 year
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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.
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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
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Quick Links |

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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.
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Job
Bank
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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.
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Newsletter
Notes
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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.
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