PRSA Richmond

Join PRSA Richmond

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:04:33 GMT

The Public Relations Society of America is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with more than 28,000 professional and student members in 112 chapters nationwide. Membership in PRSA is open to those engaged in the practice of public relations. In order to be a member of our local chapter, you must be a member of the national organization. To apply, please complete both a national and local chapter application. Complete the PRSA National Application Complete the national online application here. Complete the PRSA Richmond Application PRSA Richmond Membership Application PRSA Richmond dues are $175 per calendar year.* If you enroll on or after June 1, then your dues are $87.50. Dues include your meals at our monthly speaker programs, access to our membership and media directories, member rates for local professional development and Virginia PR Awards programs and more. In order to be considered for membership in PRSA Richmond, please complete...

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Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:22:48 GMT

Va. PR Awards honor the best in public relations; Dr. Judy Turk receives the prestigious TJ Award

On June 12, the Richmond chapter of the Public Relations Society of America honored local organizations and companies for excellence in public relations. The 61st annual awards ceremony, {Let’s Get Connected}, was held at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond.

In addition to the PR awards, PRSA Richmond presented Judy VanSlyke Turk, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, with the 2008 Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations.

Learn more on our 2008 Va. PR Awards Roundup page!

2008 Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:39:24 GMT

Judy VanSlyke Turk, PhD., APR, Fellow PRSA Recipient of the 2008 Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations On June 12, PRSA Richmond awarded Judy VanSlyke Turk with the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations. Each year PRSA Richmond recognizes extraordinary achievement by an individual working in the field of public relations. Thomas Jefferson Award winners exemplify the best in the profession. The program is open to public relations practitioners in the Greater Richmond metropolitan area. This award recognizes and celebrates a lifetime of achievement, said Felicia McLemore, APR, PRSA Richmond’s president. In Judy VanSlyke Turk’s case, she has achieved enough for three lifetimes! We’re so pleased to be able to honor her in this way, and to count her among our chapter membership. Judy VanSlyke Turk is Director of the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining VCU in March...

Thomas Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Relations

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:47:25 GMT

Each year PRSA Richmond recognizes extraordinary achievement by an individual working in the field of public relations. Thomas Jefferson Award winners exemplify the best in the profession. The program is open to public relations practitioners in the Greater Richmond metropolitan area. The TJ Award was instituted as an annual peer award in 1998. It continues a tradition begun in 1962 by the former Old Dominion Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. In that program, however, the major award was presented to a community leader, and the public relations award was only occasionally presented. TJ Award for Public Relations winners to date: 2008- Judy VanSlyke Turk, PhD., APR, Fellow PRSA 2007- Mark Raper 2006- Lou Anne Nabhan, APR 2005- Hank Amann, APR, Fellow PRSA 2004 - Martha W. Steger, APR, Fellow PRSA 2002 - D. Brickford Rider, APR 2001 - Eva Teig Hardy 2000 - G. Richard Wainwright 1999 - P. Lee Starkey, APR, Fellow APR ...

Virginia Public Relations Awards

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:46:22 GMT

The Virginia Public Relations Awards honors medallion and certificate of merit winners in each Silver Anvil and Bronze category, and Best in Show Awards, which are selected from the medallion winners.

The Virginia Public Relations Awards are presented annually in June. Award entry information is available in late-March or early-April.

2008 Awards Roundup

2007 Awards Roundup

2006 Award Recipients

2007 Virginia Public Relations Awards Highlights

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:13:42 GMT

The 60th Virginia Public Relations Awards celebrate the power of PR Theres no shortage of PR talent in Central Virginia, thats for sure. And PRSA Richmonds 60th Annual Virginia Public Relations Awards dinner was a celebration of that talent. Reviewing the award entries, one of the things that struck me was the tremendous amount of talent there is here, said Chuck Hansen, the chapters awards chairperson. The other fact that leaps out is how effective public relations can be as a tool for meeting business objectives. At the June 14 awards dinner, held at Richmonds historic Jefferson Hotel, the chapter presented nearly 75 awards to more than 30 organizations. Among the highlights were awarding the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award to Mark Raper, chairman and CEO of CRT/tanaka, as well presenting best in show honors to Virginia PR Award winners Charles Ryan Associates and CarMax. Thomas Jefferson Award Recipient Mark Raper Chairman & CEO, CRT/tanaka As...

2008 Virginia PR Awards

Wed, 21 May 2008 20:26:12 GMT

{Lets Get Connected} It’s Spring, time to get connected, in a new way! The 2008 Virginia Public Relations Awards program has been revamped to provide you with more ways to connect, learn and network! Let’s Get Connected will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 12, at the beautiful and lush Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Theres no better way to celebrate the PR profession while getting connected with new, existing and former PR pros from across the Commonwealth! ü Register for the June 12 event: Register online now! (VISA or Mastercard payment is required) Download the invitation now! To pay by check, download the invitation and resonse form, and mail in your reservation. ü Learn more about Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Event Venue) ü Follow the committee’s work in planning the event on the Award Committee’s Blog! Questions? Suggestions? Contact Denise Baddour,...

2008 Board of Directors

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:56:38 GMT

2008 PRSA Richmond Board of Directors OFFICERS Name Title Contact information Felicia F. McLemore, APR President felicia.mclemore@eclipse-marketing.com 622.0778 Alissa Poole, APR President-Elect alissampoole@verizon.net 690.2686 Melissa Jones 1st VP (Programs) melissajones@freeagentsmarketing.com 762.9400 Denise Baddour 2nd VP (Awards) dbaddour@luckstone.com 784.8259 Brian Matt 3rd VP (Membership) brian.matt@vhda.com 343.5520 ...

Elia Imler

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:59:12 GMT

Elia joined CarMax in 2004, working in the grand opening marketing and public relations department. She transitioned into a dedicated PR role in 2005 and is currently the Assistant Public Affairs Manager. Prior to CarMax, she worked in marketing/PR at a nonprofit arts and entertainment theatre in Durham, NC and worked as an independent consultant for Cornell University. Elia is active with animal rescue and serves on the Board for Henrico Humane Society as their Community Affairs Chairperson. She earned a BA in Communications/Art from SUNY Oswego and a MS in Communications from Ithaca College.

Independent Practitioners Alliance

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:45:46 GMT

Independent Practitioners Alliance Richmond is a thriving market for independent public relations practitioners. Our talented independents and small firms enjoy client engagements of all sizes and types, as these practitioners often offer their clients decades of experience (from PR firms to corporations to the newsroom) without the overhead of large companies. Richmond’s independent consultants and small firms are nimble and seasoned with a passion for the entrepreneurial spirit. About Our Special Interest Section The PRSA Richmond Independent Practitioners Alliance provides resources and a virtual gathering place for independent practitioners and small firms, whether they work alone or in teams, from home, small or shared offices. The Alliance enables independent practitioners to network and share information with, and seek advice from, other PRSA members who share their entrepreneurial interests. The Sections purpose is to strengthen the independent sector in the Richmond PR...

Alissa Poole, APR

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:03:24 GMT

Alissa is an independent public relations consultant with Poole Communications focusing on strategic communications, writing and editing. She has held a variety of positions with PRSA Richmond including media relations chair, 3^rd VP: Membership and 1^st VP: Professional Development. Alissa received her BA in journalism from the University of Richmond.

Tom Morris, APR

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:02:47 GMT

Tom Morris, an at-large director, is serving his 10th year on the board. He is an independent practitioner who has nearly four decades of experience as a daily journalist and vice president of a PR agency.

Jill Vaughan, APR

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:01:13 GMT

Jill Lawrence Vaughan was named Director of Communications for the Virginia Lottery in December 2004. In this position, she directs all strategic communications of the Virginia Lottery-- with the public, retailers, educators, employees, the Lottery Board, the Governor's office and the media.

Jill leads a 10-person communications team which informs Virginians about Lottery winners, new products and the activities of the organization that generates over $1.3 billion in sales each year. Most importantly, her team gets the message out about where Lottery profits go. Since 1999, the Lottery has contributed more than $3.4 billion to Virginia’s public schools, K-12.

Prior to joining the Virginia Lottery, Jill was Communications Manager for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Commonwealth’s marketing organization that recruits businesses to the state and encourages international trade for Virginia companies. Before joining state government in 1997, Jill was an account executive with Marketing Solutions, Inc., a full-service public relations firm located in Fairfax, Va. Jill began her communications career as a reporter for the Caroline Progress, a weekly newspaper located in Bowling Green, Va.

Jill has served on the Board of Directors for PRSA Richmond for several years and currently holds the office of Past President. Jill earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the PRSA in 2000. She is a member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and Skills USA. Jill is active with the Greater Richmond YMCA and serves as a group exercise instructor.

A native of Princeton, West Virginia and a graduate of Virginia Tech, Jill and her husband Bruce live in western Henrico County with their 3-year-old son Will.

Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, APR, Fellow PRSA

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:43:31 GMT

Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, APR, Fellow PRSA, chairs the chapter’s senior practitioner interest group. Turk, a past chair of PRSA’s College of Fellows, International Section and Educators Academy, also is 2008 chair of PRSA’s Educational Affairs Committee and research director of its Leadership Continuum Task Force.

Jeff Wilson, APR

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:41:18 GMT

Jeff Wilson, APR Director of Business Development Along with serving as CRT/tanaka’s director of business development, Jeff also has specific expertise in community relations, grassroots marketing and public awareness campaigns. He has developed and executed a variety of nationally award-winning campaigns as part of CRT/tanaka’s Corporate Practice. Jeff managed CRT/tanaka’s community relations campaign for Housing Virginia, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the need for more affordable housing in Virginia. For the campaign, Jeff’s work included research development, strategic planning, media relations, event planning and grassroots marketing. For its work with Housing Virginia, CRT/tanaka earned a 2006 Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the highest honor given in the PR industry. The campaign also earned a 2006 Best in Show award from the Virginia PR Awards, sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of PRSA. ...

Membership Benefits

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:53:14 GMT

Joining PRSA national and PRSA Richmond represent some of the best investments you can make in your career. Membership in a recognized professional association can enhance your employability, skills, contacts, and standing with your management or clients. But it’s more than just that. For example, PRSA Richmond offers: Programming that can keep you on the inside track on new communications strategies, techniques and trends—Monthly luncheons with presentations on public relations issues, new methods and successful campaigns can build your professional skills, and stir your creative juices. Fellowship and networking with your professional peers—Chapter meetings and events that give you the chance to exchange ideas, develop contacts and share experiences. You’ll also have online access to our membership directory. Recognition through awards programs and chapter leadership—Professional recognition that enhances your standing in the profession, in your job, and in the community....

About PRSA Richmond

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:16:16 GMT

PRSA Richmond is a professional association serving Central Virginia public relations practitioners. The chapter and the national organization, PRSA, are both marking more than a half-century of bringing professionals together to enhance the practice, to provide an exchange of experiences and ideals, and to promote professional development. PRSA Richmond was created in 1995 through the merger of two long-established and respected regional organizations, the Richmond Public Relations Association and the Old Dominion Chapter PRSA. The RPRA was a Richmond-based public relations group formed in 1946. The ODC was formed in 1961 serving professionals across Virginia. With the formation of two other PRSA chapters serving Tidewater and Western Virginia, ODC had refocused its group on Central Virginia and found itself sharing many goals and members with RPRA. The two groups united in 1995 to become a single, stronger organization. Monthly Luncheon Programs PRSA Richmond hosts a monthly...

Public Service

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:48:20 GMT

PRSA Richmond’s Public Service Committee: Check out the Pro Bono Forum for Non-profit Organizations Pro bono; it means for the public good. Non-profit groups serve the public in a variety of important ways. Many of these groups can benefit greatly from public relations help, but dont have the resources to employ full-time communications staff. By helping these groups, you: contribute to the public good expand your network develop and/or build new professional competencies add to your portfolio of work Visit the forum now to see which groups need your help, and consider volunteering today! PLEASE NOTE: PRSA Richmond will not coordinate volunteer activities for forum participants. We are providing this forum solely for the convenience of users trying to identify others seeking volunteer help or volunteer opportunities. Enter the forum now!

Welcome to JOBLink

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:54:53 GMT

JOBLink is a searchable job advertisement database that’s dedicated to the fields of public relations and communications, and is free to job seekers. If you’d like to search the JOBLink database, you’ll need to log in to this web site. If you’re not a PRSA Richmond member, simply create a user account in order to gain access. Search JOBLink If your organization would like to take advantage of JOBLink to advertise an open position, simply complete the online form make the required payment using VISA or MasterCard. If you wish to pay for your listing by check, contact Sara Hunt. Positions will not be posted until a check is received. Checks must be payable to PRSA Richmond. All positions are reviewed and activated by a web administrator before posting live on the web site. Job listings are displayed for 30-day periods, and may be renewed for additional 30-day periods. Member Organizations 30-Day Regular Listing............................ $25 30-Day Regular...

2008 APR Spring Study Series

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:46:12 GMT

A Letter from Our Accreditation Chair... Dear Members, One of the most important things you can do to enhance your own professionalism and that of the entire public relations profession is to earn the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation. My own personal story is that I pursued accreditation well into my public relations career. It was a rigorous process that I believe took me to a new level of professionalism and knowledge. Even as a seasoned professional, the accreditation has proved invaluable. Our local chapter is committed to supporting our members who seek accreditation by sponsoring study sessions and mentoring at no charge. We are beginning our spring study series Feb. 19. CRT/tanaka has graciously offered their facilities for the study sessions. The schedule is posted below. Please feel free to contact me, Pam Lepley, APR, for more information on accreditation and the upcoming study series. PRSA Richmond 2008 APR Study Series Schedule ...