Today is our monthly professional development session.  I hope you’ve reserved your seat at the table to hear Abby Pemberton talk about Publix and her company’s social media success.  You can still pay at the door if you’ve not RSVP’d. 

Because some folks missed it last week, here’s adirect link to the December issue of PRestige, our monthly newsletter.  News tip: next month, PRestige takes on a whole new look… stay tuned!

 

Heard of WestJet Airways?  I hadn’t either… until I watched this video.  What a GREAT example of PR that’s gone positively viral! 

 

 

Annual Conference:  “FPRA: The Road Best Travelled,” August 11-13, 2014, in Orlando.  Clickhere for more info.

Looking for a job? Know someone who needs a job?  Here’s one in Lake County:  

Click here to see this job posting.

Finally, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday Season, and a Safe and Joyous New Year!

 

Until next time… continue to “think FPRA!”

Thursday Thoughts, 12.12.13

FPRA Ocala Chapter

Click here for a festive surprise! 

Next Friday, Dec. 20, is our monthly professional development session: click here for more info and to RSVP. 

“FPRA: The Road Best Traveled” – FPRA’s 76th annual conference takes place August 11-13, 2014 in Orlando. Click here then scroll down for a short video on next year’s conference. 

December’s PRestige newsletter is linked for your perusal.

Like music trivia? Check it out. Particularly like Christmas music? Check out this funny video...

Or, if you're like me and prefer the original version, here's Andy Williams...

The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) has finalized a new “Certificate in Principles of Public Relations” for students.  By way of background, the certificate is designed for any undergraduate student who is:

• a public relations major or major in a similar field at an accredited college or university with a faculty member who will certify he/she is a public relations or related major
• within six months of graduation (before or after) 
• prepared to take a formal preparatory course 
• willing to pay the $125 exam fee (to cover Prometric testing) plus a $25 registration fee.

The latest FPRA white paper benefits us all: PR is Not Always Loved by Management; Here’s How to Get the Romance Started 

Finally, State Office membership rosters will be purged at the end of this month. If you know someone who has YET to renew his/her membership, encourage them to do so now. If they wait, they’ll have to start the process all over again, submit a resume and application, be board approved… and perhaps even pay a late fee.  Remember, memberships are renewed through the State Office.

Gearing up for just one more complete shopping week before Christmas… I encourage you to “think FPRA!”

Kevin Christian, APR

FPRA Ocala Chapter President
Marion County Public Schools

Thursday Thoughts 12-5-13

Click here for a festive surprise!

Our monthly professional development session on December 20 is confirmed with a great speaker… you won’t want to miss this one! Think Publix, Facebook, and Twitter combined… more details to follow in your inbox.

REMINDER:  The FPRA membership database will be purged December 31.  Anyone who renews after this date will not be included in the printed membership directory, may have to start the entire application process over, and may have to pay a $25 late fee to re-join.  Currently, the Ocala chapter has the fourth-best renewal rate in the state… which would improve if more non-renewals sign up.  Questions? Contact Jenifer Lowe, president-elect and membership chair.

Have you considered the next step in your career -- becoming Accredited in Public Relations?  APR is the only universal, post-graduate credential available in the public relations profession. It is considered the “Mark of Distinction” for those demonstrating knowledge, experience and commitment to the profession. When you earn your APR credential, you join an elite group of 5,000 public relations professionals worldwide.  Join some of your credentialed peers Monday, Jan. 13 at 11:30AM in the Hospice of Marion County board room (3231 SW 34th Ave. Ocala, 34474) to hear an overview of the credential process. All you need to bring is your lunch and an appetite for information -- we’ll supply the rest! If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Lisa Varner or call 352.854.5230.

Finally, our Image Award committee is hard at work finalizing details for Save the Date, Call for Entries, and Awards Invitation… based on the “recipe” offered in the November meeting, the 2014 Local Image Awards promise to be desirable, delightful, and delectable!  More details to come in future communication…

Until next time, continue to “think FPRA!”