PRSA Richmond Articles RSS Feed

Public Service Committee plans assistance to the nonprofit community

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 GMT

The Public Service Committee of PRSA Richmond will provide professional PR assistance to a nonprofit organization in our community through the 2012 Nonprofit Alliance.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for assistance with strategic planning, organization of a public event, or assistance with communications tactics such as media relations, social media, or internal communications.

The application will be available on the PRSA-Richmond website beginning in mid-February. Applications are due by Friday, March 30.

The Public Service Committee is also planning to organize a workshop for area nonprofit organizations, tentatively planned for September 2012.

The Committee held an organizational meeting on February 3, and welcomes the involvement of all interested PRSA members. PRSA members are needed for several aspects of the Committee’s work. Here’s how you can help:

Spread the word within the nonprofit community and encourage organizations to apply for assistance;
Assist in the selection of the winning nonprofit organization;
Meet with the selected organization to develop a plan and execute a Public Relations project on their behalf;
Plan and offer a free workshop on PR Basics for nonprofit organizations in our area.

Please contact Public Service Committee Chair Glenn Birch, mailto:glenn.birch@vacu.org">glenn.birch@vacu.org, 560-5664 if you would like to get involved.

3-Feb-12 4:00 PM

NEW THIS YEAR: Thomas Jefferson and Rising Star awards have no entry fees

Rachel Beanland, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

It’s awards time and Richmond PRSA’s two individual awards, the Thomas Jefferson Award and the Rising Star Award, are easier than ever to apply for. There are now no entry fees to nominate or self-nominate for either award.

The Thomas Jefferson Award honors a senior public relations practitioner who has demonstrated excellence in the field during the course of his or her career. Nominees don’t necessarily need to be at the end of their careers—just in a position to demonstrate a long track record of excellence in the profession.

“Winning the TJ Award truly was a highlight of my professional career—a career that I hope continues for a long time,” said Pam Lepley, executive director of university relations for VCU and last year’s TJ recipient. “It has inspired me to work harder, better and more creatively to be a better public relations professional and to promote the profession, especially as a mentor.”

The Rising Star Award recognizes a young public relations practitioner who has worked in the field for five or fewer years. This is a great opportunity to recognize an up-and-coming professional who has already made a significant impact in his or her organization and the greater Richmond community.

“Winning the Rising Star award was an incredible experience,” said Cameron McPherson, an account executive at the Hodges Partnership and last year’s Rising Star recipient. “PRSA Richmond is truly top notch, so it was an honor to be recognized by the same professionals I respect so much. If you or someone you know is a PR professional with five years of experience or less, you should apply for the Rising Star Award!”

Both of the chapter’s individual award applications are included in this year’s Call for Entries. The deadline for all awards submissions is February 24. If you have any questions about applying or nominating a colleague for either award, please contact Rachel Beanland at (804) 385-7130 or via e-mail at rachel.beanland@capitalone.com.

1-Feb-12 11:00 AM

Connecting With Other Chapters

Jennifer Curtis, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Did you know PRSA Richmond is part of a district of chapters stretching from Hampton Roads to Delaware? As president-elect, I am your connection between these chapters and look forward to updating you with news this year.

In January, president Jeff Wilson, APR, and I traveled to D.C. to meet district chapter representatives, share best practices, ideas for collaboration amongst chapters, and brainstorm new ideas to accomplish more with less. The theme of this year’s ‘Quick Start’ event was Stretching Your Dollar. We were joined by representatives from National Capital, Blue Ridge, Hampton Roads, Maryland, and Virginia Peninsula chapters.

We enjoyed participating in six robust discussion groups including:

How small chapters can successfully gain sponsorships
Many volunteers, many leadership styles
Brainstorming for new ideas and best practices
Working with chapter administrators
How to do more with less
Help from the region

The event was led by Mid-Atlantic District Chair Mindy Hughes, APR, who is developing a plan to strengthen the district and identify how it can best support chapters. Mindy plans to visit our chapter soon to share her ideas for collaboration with the board, and I look forward to introducing her at an upcoming program. With Mindy’s strong leadership and passion for PRSA, it’s going to be a great year!

1-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Top 5 Reasons You Should Enter the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards

Tracey Zink - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Don’t miss your chance to enter PRSA Richmond’s 65^thAnnual Virginia Public Relations Awards by February 24! Here are the top five reasons you should not let this great opportunity pass you by:

1. Showcase your award-winning talent to customers.

Not only will receiving one of the Virginia Public Relations Awards highlight your competence and progressive skills to existing clients, it just might attract some new customers as well.

2. Create awareness in your community.

Taking part in the Virginia Public Relations Awards will bring attention to your organization. Give your community something to talk about and take advantage of this great opportunity for media coverage.

3. Motivate your team.

Winning an award is a team effort, and being part of that winning team will give your staff something of which to be proud.

4. Redefine industry standards and raise the benchmark.

Times are changing and so are the ways public relations professionals define success. The Virginia Public Relations Awards can help showcase your new programs and tactics and set the benchmark for future practitioners.

5. Get an awesome award.

If your entry is selected, you will receive a beautifully designed award highlighting your program or tactic. Show off this prestigious award, because you earned it!

Submit your entry before the final deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday, February, 24! Download the Call for Entries now!

Don’t forget to recognize your peers!

PRSA also will honor two public relations professionals – one seasoned professional with the esteemed Thomas Jefferson Award and one outstanding newcomer to the profession with the Rising Star Award.

Please submit your nomination for an individual deserving of one of these prestigious awards by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 24. There is no nomination fee.

Questions?

For more information on this year’s program, contact Catherine Gryp at cgryp@CRT-tanaka.com.

1-Feb-12 5:00 AM

Welcome To Our New Members; Join In February and Save

Brian Chandler, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

PRSA Richmond is pleased to welcome nine new members who joined during January! Please be sure to offer them a warm welcome at the February program. New members include: Diana Burkett, University of Richmond; Krystal Gillespie, Virginia Community College System; Kristin VanStory, FeedMore; Maureen Haney, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; Jordan Hunter and Jennifer Dubois of Columbia Gas; and Rolanda Rascoe, Annie Campbell and David Sylvia of Altria.

Also, don’t forget about the promotion being offered by PRSA National during February. Anyone who joins PRSA National at the full member rate of $320 ($255 dues plus a one-time initiation fee of $65) will get his or her local chapter dues paid in full for the remainder of 2012, a savings of $175. This willcover all the luncheon fees, as well as provide access to all the benefits of chapter membership including networking opportunities, as well as discounted rates on professional development program, award entries and more.

Please note, a special membership promotion code must be entered when applying for membership during the month February to qualify for the promotion. The code is FEB12 and should be used during the application process.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking advantage of this promotion, please contact Brian Chandler, APR, vice president of membership for PRSA Richmond, at bchandler@commonwealth-pr.comor 804.221.9177.

30-Jan-12 4:00 AM

What’s the value in those three little letters – A-P-R? R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Anne Buckley - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

In our recent survey of PRSA Richmond Chapter members, we asked what was holding you back from pursuing accreditation. Many of you answered that you couldn’t see the value. So, we’ll break it down for you Aretha Franklin-style in this month’s article on what accreditation can do for you.

RES – REcognized Standard. Ethics? Check. Theory and practice? Check. Experience? Check. Accreditation lets the world know that you adhere to commonly accepted practices in the field, and tells your clients, peers and employer that you know what you’re doing. Not just because you said so, but because our industry does.
P – Promotes lifelong learning: Once you’re accredited, you are required to pursue activities like professional development, mentoring or volunteerism to keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. What better way to justify taking the time to help less-experienced practitioners grow in the field?
E – Excellence in the field: APR holders are some of the most experienced and highly regarded practitioners in our field. Not sure? Just ask Harold Burson, APR or Daniel J. Edelman, APR.
C – Career enhancement: You CHOSE to become accredited, which makes you stand out among others in our field. Not like those doctors or accountants who are REQUIRED to get extra letters in order to practice.
T – Tools: Whether your current job exposes you to all of the (ever-changing) facets of PR or not, seeking accreditation forces you to be well-versed across all of the aspects of the field. In the end, you bring more to the party.

We’ve changed the process to make it easier to fit into your busy schedule. We’ve added a mentor component to the process so you have someone to guide you through the process. APR. Find out what it means to you. Talk to us before next month’s luncheon to learn more about how you can get started.

And big tip of the hat to the chapter's newest APR, Britt Drewes Farrar. Congratulations, and welcome.

29-Jan-12 5:00 PM

Complete the January Luncheon Satisfaction Survey

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Complete a brief online satisfaction survey for the January 2012 luncheon program. The survey will be available until Friday, Feb. 3.

25-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Enter the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards by February 24!

Theresa House - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:32:20 GMT

Hello [firstname],

PRSA Richmond is pleased to host the 65^thAnnual Virginia Public Relations Awards – recognizing the most creative and effective communications programs, tactics and professionals from 2011. Lauded as one of the top public relations honors in Virginia, this year’s awards program and dinner will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at The Jefferson Hotel.

PRSA Richmond members will receive a Call for Entries award entry packet in the mail. Anyone may also download the Call for Entries packet at prsarichmond.org.

To request additional hard copies, contact Catherine Gryp at cgryp@CRT-tanaka.com.

Here are some more details about the Virginia Public Relations Awards:

Important Dates
Final Deadline for Award Entries: Friday, February 24, 2012 by 5 p.m.
Virginia Public Relations Awards Dinner: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia

Commonwealth and Capital Awards
This year, the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards will again recognize public relations programs and tactics with proven success in research, planning, execution and evaluation with the Commonwealth Awards and the Capital Awards.

One Commonwealth Award winner and one Capital Award winner will be recognized as “Best in Show” honorees.

Thomas Jefferson and Rising Star Awards

PRSA will honor two public relations professionals – one seasoned professional with the esteemed Thomas Jefferson Award and one outstanding newcomer to the profession with the Rising Star Award.

Are you aware of an individual deserving of one of these prestigious awards? Please nominate them (or self-nominate) by February 24. There is no nomination fee for the Thomas Jefferson and Rising Star Awards.

Volunteers

The awards committee seeks volunteers to help plan and staff the Virginia Public Relations Awards ceremony. PRSA members looking for a way to get involved should contact Beth Monroe at bethm@lewisginter.org.

Submit your entry today!

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

11-Jan-12 3:32 PM

PRSA Richmond Newsletter 9-Jan-12

Theresa House - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:44:48 GMT

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to PRSA Richmond's newsletter. We've got a great luncheon program planned for January, and we're looking forward to seeing you there!

Register Online Now!

January Program & Luncheon
Sponsor: Promotional Considerations
Speaker's Name: William C. "Bill" Hall, Jr., Vice President, Executive Communications, Dominion

Day: Wednesday 25-Jan-12 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Richmond Marriott 500 East Broad St. Richmond, VA
Summary: Will locusts be next? With one crisis after another, the Dominion communications approach remains the same: ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Theresa House

Chapter News

President’s Message: New Year, New Home, New Theme!

Author: Jeff Wilson, APR

Release Date: Monday 9-Jan-12 5:00 AM

Happy New Year! The New Year is a time when many of us take stock in the previous year and look forward to the possibilities ahead. It's also a time for change. The same holds true for PRSA Richmond. The PRSA Richmond Board held a planning meeting in December and has been busy working on the 2012 Strategic Plan, as we gear up for the year ahead. We have many new and exciting changes in store for the Richmond PR community. New Home. After many years of meeting at... [More Info]
Posted by: Jeff Wilson, APR

Accredited in Public Relations – APR process is new and improved!

Author: Anne Buckley

Release Date: Sunday 8-Jan-12 6:00 PM

That's right - your Richmond PRSA APR Accreditation Committee has streamlined the accreditation process to make it easier for practitioners to find the time and take the initiative to pursue accreditation. What's new? Beginning in January, members of the APR committee will host 15-minute, mini-informational meetings prior to each monthly luncheon to make it easier for practitioners to get information about the process. These informational sessions will be designed to answer any... [More Info]
Posted by: Anne Buckley

Learn about the Mentorship Program

Author: Tom Morris, APR

Release Date: Sunday 8-Jan-12 10:45 AM

Calling all proteges, mentors and anyone interested in learning more about the chapter's mentorship program. The chapter will conduct an orientation session about the mentorship program immediately following the chapter's luncheon Jan. 25. The location of the workshop will be announced at the luncheon. The program matches members who are relatively new to the profession with practitioners who have at least 10 years of PR experience. There is no charge to participate in the... [More Info]
Posted by: Theresa House

Interested In Membership? Join In February and Save

Author: Brian Chandler, APR

Release Date: Sunday 8-Jan-12 8:00 AM

PRSA Richmond has confirmed that PRSA National will offer a great membership special during the month of February. Anyone who joins PRSA National at the full member rate of $320 ($255 dues plus a one-time initiation fee of $65) will get his or her local chapter dues paid for the remainder of 2012, a savings of $175. This would cover all the luncheon fees, as well as provide access to the benefits of chapter membership, including networking opportunities, discounted rates on professional... [More Info]
Posted by: Brian Chandler, APR

Get Involved in 2012!

Author: Theresa House

Release Date: Saturday 7-Jan-12 6:00 AM

One of the best ways to get the most of your PRSA membership is to get involved. Complete this brief online survey to indicate your interest in different chapter initiatives, and we'll get you plugged in! Complete the survey to volunteer now!
Posted by: Theresa House

New Meeting Location: Downtown Richmond Marriott; Still Free Parking

Author: Jeff Wilson, APR

Release Date: Friday 6-Jan-12 7:00 PM

After many years of meeting at the Ramada Plaza Richmond West (previously the Sheraton West), PRSA Richmond has a new home for 2012 - the Downtown Richmond Marriott at 500 E. Broad Street. The Board didn't arrive at this decision lightly. With the Ramada closed, we were forced to find new accommodations, quickly. After an exhaustive review of more than a dozen locations in various parts of the Greater Richmond area, the Downtown Richmond Marriott was the best option for us in terms of... [More Info]
Posted by: Jeff Wilson, APR

Public Service Committee Needs You

Author: Glenn Birch

Release Date: Friday 6-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Do you want to have an impact on your profession and your community? Then consider devoting time to the PRSA Public Service Committee in 2012. PRSA Serving RVA is the overall Chapter Theme in 2012.The work of the Public Service Committee will be central to helping our chapter meet this challenge. We'd like to involve PRSA-Richmond members with a broad range of skills, and we invite you to join us. Our goals include: Carrying out a worthwhile... [More Info]
Posted by: Theresa House

News for Junior Practitioners

Author: Lane Burgess

Release Date: Thursday 5-Jan-12 2:00 PM

The Next Wave Committee would like to welcome several new members to PRSA Richmond and to Next Wave (members of PRSA Richmond with five years or less experience in the field). Let's start the year off on the right foot with a happy hour on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tavern (7110 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. 23229). It was requested that we move further west for our happy hours, so this is middle ground. There are several upcoming events for Next Wave for... [More Info]
Posted by: Lane Burgess

Enter the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards by February 24!

Author: Tracey Zink

Release Date: Thursday 5-Jan-12 11:00 AM

PRSA Richmond is pleased to host the 65thAnnual Virginia Public Relations Awards - recognizing the most creative and effective communications programs, tactics and professionals from 2011. Lauded as one of the top public relations honors in Virginia, this year's event will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at The Jefferson Hotel. Enter your best programs and tactics This year's event will again recognize public relations programs and tactics with proven success in research,... [More Info]
Posted by: Theresa House

JOBLink - Online and Free to Job Seekers!

Director of Communications

Company: Snagajob

Date Activated: Thursday 29-Dec-11 0:00 AM

What can we say? We're ready for our close-up, Mr. De Mille. While we're not looking to be hounded by the... [More Info]
Posted by: Candace Nicolls

Many Thanks to Our 2011 Signature Sponsors!

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

9-Jan-12 1:44 PM

President’s Message: New Year, New Home, New Theme!

Jeff Wilson, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year!

The New Year is a time when many of us take stock in the previous year and look forward to the possibilities ahead. It’s also a time for change. The same holds true for PRSA Richmond. The PRSA Richmond Board held a planning meeting in December and has been busy working on the 2012 Strategic Plan, as we gear up for the year ahead. We have many new and exciting changes in store for the Richmond PR community.

New Home. After many years of meeting at the Ramada Plaza Richmond West (previously the Sheraton West), PRSA Richmond has a new home for 2012 – the Downtown Richmond Marriott at 500 E. Broad Street. The Board didn’t arrive at this decision lightly. With the Ramada closed, we were forced to find new accommodations, quickly. After an exhaustive review of more than a dozen locations in various parts of the Greater Richmond area, the Downtown Richmond Marriott was the best option for us in terms of space, accessibility and quality of the accommodations.

To make the transition easier, PRSA Richmond will offer free parking to our members and guests in the parking deck at 5^thand Marshall Streets for each of our monthly luncheons. Bring the ticket from the machine to the Chapter’s registration desk, and we’ll swap the ticket for a PAID voucher ticket.

New Theme. For the 2012 year, PRSA Richmond will focus on the theme, PRSA Serving RVA. This theme is inspired by PRSA National’s new initiative – PRServing America – which will encourage and reward public service efforts at the local level. The centerpiece of our PRSA Serving RVA theme will be the work of our Public Service Committee. Throughout the year, we will encourage our members to get involved in the Chapter’s community service initiatives. If you are interested in serving on the Public Service Committee, please contact Glenn Birch, public service committee chair, at glenn.birch@vacu.org or (804) 560-5664.

The theme also will celebrate the many wonderful ways PRSA Richmond serves the Greater Richmond PR community and the community at large through our various initiatives and programs, including:

Service through educational opportunities – Monthly luncheons, professional development programs and accreditation preparation
Service through mentoring and celebrating diversity – Student Connections Week, the mentoring program for young professionals (Next Wave) and Diversity in Communications features on our website
Service through networking – Networking happy hours, monthly luncheons and special sections programs (Independent Practitioners Alliance, Senior Practitioners and Next Wave)
Service through scholarships – Annual scholarships offered by the PRSA Richmond Foundation
Service through recognizing excellence in PR – Virginia PR Awards, Thomas Jefferson Award and Rising Star Award

As we gear up for 2012, please consider signing up for a committee to help guide the future direction of our great Chapter. Also, don’t forget to renew your Chapter dues and register for the January 25 luncheon. Our guest speaker will be William C. “Bill” Hall, vice president of executive communications at Dominion, who will be discussing crisis communications. I hope to see you there.

Thank you for your continued support of PRSA Richmond. We’re working to make 2012 a great year!

Sincerely,

Jeff Wilson, APR

President

PRSA Richmond

jwilson@crt-tanaka.com

(804) 675-8175

LinkedIn| Twitter

9-Jan-12 5:00 AM

Accredited in Public Relations – APR process is new and improved!

Anne Buckley - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

That’s right – your Richmond PRSA APR Accreditation Committee has streamlined the accreditation process to make it easier for practitioners to find the time and take the initiative to pursue accreditation.

What’s new? Beginning in January, members of the APR committee will host 15-minute, mini-informational meetings prior to each monthly luncheon to make it easier for practitioners to get information about the process. These informational sessions will be designed to answer any questions you may have about how to pursue accreditation and help you get started.

What’s improved? Previously, practitioners could participate in an annual, eight-week prep course or pursue accreditation independently, connecting with the accreditation committee only to schedule a portfolio review. The prep course could be time consuming, and the process of scheduling panel reviews throughout the year was inefficient. The process now includes:

Designated mentors. You will be assigned a current chapter APR mentor to help you by reviewing and providing feedback on your portfolio as well as help you prepare for the oral presentation.
Twice a year boot camp. PRSA Richmond will schedule a prep course boot camp in the spring and in the fall (May/November). One will be a three-day, Thursday evening – Saturday afternoon event. One will be a one-week evening program. Current APRs will provide coaching/instruction in the KSAs. Participants MUST have submitted their application to PRSA in order to participate.
Twice a year panels. To coincide with the boot camps, APR readiness review panels will be convened for a single day at the conclusion of each boot camp. Practitioners who still feel unprepared to sit for a panel may postpone until the following season.

We look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months to help you achieve accreditation. Look for more information on the agenda at monthly luncheons and in upcoming newsletters, and we hope to see you at one of our upcoming information sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Buckley, APR, committee chair, or Cheryl Robinson, APR, committee co-chair.

8-Jan-12 6:00 PM

Learn about the Mentorship Program

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Calling all protégés, mentors and anyone interested in learning more about the chapter’s mentorship program. The chapter will conduct an orientation session about the mentorship program immediately following the chapter’s luncheon Jan. 25. The location of the workshop will be announced at the luncheon.

The program matches members who are relatively new to the profession with practitioners who have at least 10 years of PR experience. There is no charge to participate in the program, which is entering its third year.

Tom Morris, at-large director, and Lane Burgess, chair of the Next Wave section, will discuss the program’s goals and strategies for making the program meaningful and valuable for both protégés and mentors.

Please arrange to stay about a half-hour after the Jan. 25 luncheon to learn about this program and to enroll.

8-Jan-12 10:45 AM

Interested In Membership? Join In February and Save

Brian Chandler, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Please note, a special membership promotion code must be entered when applying for membership during the month February to qualify you for the promotion. The code is FEB12 and should be used during the application process.

As mentioned above, the membership special applies to new members joining at the full regular member rate of $320. The special also applies to anyone reinstating a national membership that has been lapsed for at least one year. Associate memberships do not quality for the membership special.

If you or someone you know is interested in membership or taking advantage of this promotion and has questions, please contact Brian Chandler, APR, vice president of membership for PRSA Richmond, at bchandler@commonwealth-pr.com or 804.221.9177.

8-Jan-12 8:00 AM

New Meeting Location: Downtown Richmond Marriott; Still Free Parking

Jeff Wilson, APR - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After many years of meeting at the Ramada Plaza Richmond West (previously the Sheraton West), PRSA Richmond has a new home for 2012 – the Downtown Richmond Marriott at 500 E. Broad Street. The Board didn’t arrive at this decision lightly. With the Ramada closed, we were forced to find new accommodations, quickly. After an exhaustive review of more than a dozen locations in various parts of the Greater Richmond area, the Downtown Richmond Marriott was the best option for us in terms of space, accessibility and quality of the accommodations.

Several of the region's newer hotels could not give us a yearlong contract. Therefore, every month we would have been required to negotiate with them, and there was no guarantee that we would have been able to secure all of the dates we needed for our monthly meetings. Other hotels could have given us a contract, but would "bump" us if conferences and conventions were booked at the same time as our meetings.

Other hotels and venues could not accommodate our space requirements. While we average between 130-140 people at a typical meeting, we have some meetings, like our Past Presidents' Luncheon in November, that have up to 175 members and guests in attendance.

Therefore, the Downtown Richmond Marriott was our best choice for this year.

To make the transition easier, PRSA Richmond will provide free parking to our members and guests in the parking deck at 5^thand Marshall Streets for each of our monthly luncheons. Bring the ticket from the machine to the Chapter’s registration desk, and we’ll swap the ticket for a PAID voucher ticket. Given that PRSA National increased member dues by $30 this year, we didn't want PRSA Richmond members to incur any additional charges in 2012.

Please Note the New RSVP Policy: In order to comply with the guarantee policy of the Downtown Richmond Marriott, all RSVPs for lunch meetings must be made by 11:45 p.m. on MONDAY of the week of a meeting. After that time, members and guests will need to call Sara Hunt at (804) 994-1120 to see if space is still available or to be put on a waiting list if needed. Please RSVP early in order to ensure that you are included in the headcount for lunch!

We're looking to have a great year in a great new location!

6-Jan-12 7:00 PM

Public Service Committee Needs You

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Do you want to have an impact on your profession and your community? Then consider devoting time to the PRSA Public Service Committee in 2012.

“PRSA Serving RVA” is the overall Chapter Theme in 2012.The work of the Public Service Committee will be central to helping our chapter meet this challenge.

We’d like to involve PRSA-Richmond members with a broad range of skills, and we invite you to join us.

Our goals include:

Carrying out a worthwhile PR project for a deserving non-profit organization in 2012
Gaining positive attention for our efforts, our chapter, and the profession
Organizing a “PR Basics” workshop that promotes idea sharing and relationship building between non-profit representatives and PRSA professionals.

This will be a great opportunity for you to put your skill and experience to work on behalf of the community. Or, you may find ways to gain professional experience in new areas. There are many ways to be involved.

Please contact Glenn Birch, (804) 560-5664 if you would like to serve on the Public Service Committee in 2012. Then, join us for an organizational meeting on Friday, February 3 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Virginia Credit Union, 7500 Boulder View Drive.

6-Jan-12 8:00 AM

News for junior practitioners

Lane Burgess - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

The Next Wave Committee would like to welcome several new members to PRSA Richmond and to Next Wave (members of PRSA Richmond with five years or less experience in the field).

Let's start the year off on the right foot with a happy hour on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tavern (7110 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. 23229). It was requested that we move further west for our happy hours, so this is middle ground.

There are several upcoming events for Next Wave for 2012: a group community service activity, a networking and professional development trip to The Hodges Partnership, and a Facebook group.

5-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Enter the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards by February 24!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

PRSA Richmond is pleased to host the 65^thAnnual Virginia Public Relations Awards – recognizing the most creative and effective communications programs, tactics and professionals from 2011. Lauded as one of the top public relations honors in Virginia, this year’s event will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at The Jefferson Hotel.

Enter your best programs and tactics
This year’s event will again recognize public relations programs and tactics with proven success in research, planning, execution and evaluation.

The final deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, February. 24. The Call for Entries brochure and form is available online now, and also will be distributed at the January 25 luncheon. You also can download the entry form only (without the brochure).

Recognize exemplary public relations professionals

Are you aware of an individual deserving of one of these prestigious awards? Please nominate them (or self-nominate) by February 24. There is no nomination fee.

Questions?

For more information on this year’s program, contact Catherine Gryp at cgryp@CRT-tanaka.com.

5-Jan-12 11:00 AM

Senior Practitioners Happy Hour on January 5

Judy VanSlyke Turk, APR, Fellow PRSA - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Why should the Young Practitioners Interest Group have all the happy-hour fun?

The Senior Practitioners Interest Group invites all Richmond PRSA members with 20 or more years of experience to meet for a Seniors Happy Hour on Thursday, January 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Lemaire Bar, Jefferson Hotel. Just join Judy VanSlyke Turk, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA and whoever else shows up -- and order your drink and/or appetizer.

Here's a great way to welcome in 2012, connect with long-time friends (note: the "old" word will not be spoken) and meet some new ones.

No need to RSVP -- just show up!

P.S. If you're not already on the e-mail list for PRSA Richmond Senior Practitioners Interest Group (and you'd know if you are, because you would have received Senior Practitoner e-mails from me), please send an e-mail at jvturk@vcu.edu and ask to be added.

23-Dec-11 9:00 AM

Sneak Peek at 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards Categories

Theresa House - noemail@prsarichmond.org — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:53:29 GMT

Hello [firstname],

PRSA Richmond is pleased to host the 65th Virginia Public Relations Awards recognizing the most creative and effective communications programs, tactics and professionals from 2011. Lauded as one of the top public relations honors in Virginia, this year's event will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at The Jefferson Hotel.

Start thinking of your best campaigns and tactics

The 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards will again recognize public relations programs and tactics with proven success in research, planning, execution and evaluation. Here's a quick glance at this year's awards categories:

COMMONWEALTH AWARDS
Community Relations, Reputation/Brand Management, Brief Events and Observances, Extended Events and Observances, Public Service, Public Affairs, Marketing Consumer Products, Marketing Consumer Services, Marketing Business to Business, Global Communications, Crisis Communications, Issues Management, Internal Communications, Investor Relations, Multicultural Public Relations and Integrated Communications

CAPITAL AWARDS
Media Relations; Research/Evaluation; Press Kits/Media Kits; Press/News Conferences; Video News Releases; Satellite Media Tours; Feature Stories; Editorials/Op-ed Columns; Newsletters; Magazines; Annual Reports; Brochures; Publications; Direct Mail/Direct Response; Internal Video Programs; External Video Programs; Television PSAs; Print PSAs; Radio PSAs; Word-of-Mouth; Speeches; Advertorials; Websites; Multimedia Communications; Social Media; Blogs/Blogger Campaigns; Webcasts; Web Widgets, Applications and Plug Ins; Smartphone Applications and Creative Tactics

Recognize exemplary public relations professionals

PRSA also will honor two public relations professionals-- one seasoned professional with the esteemed Thomas Jefferson Award and one outstanding newcomer to the profession with the Rising Star Award.

Mark your calendars

The final deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. The Call for Entries will be available in early January on prsarichmond.org and also will be distributed at the January luncheon.

For more informaton on this year's program, contact Catherine Gryp at cgryp@crt-tanaka.com.

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16-Dec-11 3:53 PM

Make a Donation to the Richmond PR Foundation, and Make the Future Bright for Richmond’s PR Stars

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

It’s that time of year when talk of gifts and bright stars fills the air…and everyone is scrambling to find year-end tax deductions. Please consider donating to the Richmond Public Relations Foundation, and your gift can make the future bright for Richmond’s PR stars.

Established in 1999, the Richmond Public Relations Foundation, the 501 (c) (3) charitable arm of PRSA Richmond, was created to enhance the field of public relations in Central Virginia. The Foundation administers the David P. Hurdle and William Dietrick Memorial Scholarships and annually awards the two $1,000 scholarships to college juniors and seniors in Central Virginia who plan to pursue a career in public relations. This year’s recipients, both students at VCU, received their awards at the November chapter luncheon.

Foundation donations also are used to support professional development needs of chapter members by supporting PRSA Richmond members who successfully complete their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a mark of qualification, distinction and ethical practice in the public relations industry.

Help us make the future bright for our current and rising PR stars by making a donation online or mailing a check payable to ‘Richmond Public Relations Foundation’ to P.O. Box 29232, Richmond, VA 23242. On behalf of the Foundation board, thank you and happy holidays.

Linda Evans

President

Richmond Public Relations Foundation

In the Photo – The Richmond Public Relations Foundation awarded two $1,000 scholarships to students at Virginia Commonwealth University during this year’s November luncheon. Pictured from left are Tina Lambert, 2011 PRSA president; Linda Evans, Foundation president; Rosemary Dietrick, wife of William Dietrick for whom one of the scholarships is named; James Denison, scholarship recipient; Alexsis Rodgers, scholarship recipient; and Malorie Burkett, Foundation board member.

11-Dec-11 5:00 PM