President's Message
Jump-starting your creative edge
 Have you ever gotten stuck trying to come up with a new idea for an event? Press release? Media pitch? Newsletter? Of course you have. Haven't we all?
In time, these creative freezes usually melt and allow the creative juices to flow again. But the time spent thinking and sweating over these projects is some of the most painful and wasted time spent. Wouldn't it be great to have a tool box filled with tips that help jump-start your creativity?
One of the tips I use is to think of the words that make creating possible. Words such as build, happen, be, make, YESSSS and possibility get posted on notes around my computer monitor when I've got writer's block. Sometimes, I pull five or six things from my desk drawer and see what I can arrange with them. I'm even known to pull in a few friends and make them build something with kids' toys — just for the fun of it!
Building on last year's incredible legacy of strong, memorable programs, this month's featured speaker is an expert on keeping his creative edges sharp. Jason Surrell is an author, screenwriter and Show Writer/Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he's developed a "haunted" tombstone at The Haunted Mansion and show concepts for The Great Movie Ride and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! He's also a contributing writer to The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles (and the sourcebook for my tips!) Using his trademark humor, Surrell will share his personal stories about his greatest hits, and even those that didn't quite make it to the story boards.
Surrell will be the guest speaker at our Jan. 19 meeting at the Citrus Club. This will be a fun and light-hearted way to ring in the New Year. Bring a couple of friends to share the fun.
See you there.
—Andrea Finger, APR
PRSA Monthly Meeting: Jan. 19
Jump-start and maintain your creative edge
If you've ever had to come up with a new idea for a project, special event, press release or media campaign, imagine what it's like to come up with the idea for a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE, Expedition Everest or Pirates of the Caribbean. Join PRSA Orlando as we feature Jason Surrell, Walt Disney Imagineer, as he shares ideas and creative exercises used by Imagineers. Surrell is an author, screenwriter and show writer/producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he develops concepts, scripts and storylines for new attractions, shops, restaurants and resorts — on land and sea.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 19
Time: Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., Lunch begins at noon
Place: The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., 18th Floor, Orlando
(directions | map)
Cost: $20 for members, $30 for guests, $15 for students
RSVP to Kena Lewis at kena.lewis@mybrighthouse.com no later than Monday, Jan. 16. Please include your name, company, title, phone number and e-mail address. Also mention if you would like a vegetarian meal.
Or, click on the link below to register and pay online using PayPal.
Cancellations received after Jan. 16 and no shows will be billed.
Click here to RSVP. You can pay online using PayPal or pay at the event using cash or check only.
Check out the Job Bank
Be sure to keep checking PRSA Orlando's up-to-date job bank for the latest openings in Central Florida.
Or, if you're looking for some of the best talent in the area, post your company's open positions on the site.
Click below to check it out!
Ten Minutes/Ten Questions
Name: Lorelie Johnson
Occupation: Community Relations Director, The Salvation Army of Orange and Osceola Counties
PRSA Involvement: President-Elect 2006, Vice President of Programs 2005, Vice President of Membership Retention 2003-2004
Person who has most influenced your life: I have been amazed, inspired and influenced by many people along the way. One person who comes to mind is Cindy Andrews, a teacher at Colonial High School, who helped me and continues to help other students realize what's possible through involvement, hard work and creativity.
Quote to live by: People who deal with life generously and large-heartedly go on multiplying relationships to the end. —A.C. Benson
What made you choose PR as a profession: For me, the choice happened very naturally. When I learned I could use my relationship building, organization and writing skills to help an organization achieve its goals, I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Best PR advice you ever received: Dr. Caroline Dow at Flagler College once said to her Ethics and Law class, "Always be prepared to make the best, instead of the worst, of whatever happens." I keep that in mind for every situation I'm in, whether it's professional or personal.
Greatest accomplishment: Without a doubt, The Salvation
Army Angel Tree Campaign, which provides new clothing and toys for thousands of children throughout Central Florida, brings me extraordinary pleasure. I oversee the entire program from start to finish with the help of family, friends and volunteers. It is an amazing feeling to know that all of the work that goes into
organizing the Angel Tree is directly helping so many families in need.
Favorite thing to do on the weekend: Go outside and play,
whether it's around the neighborhood or at the beach. I enjoy taking time to breathe some fresh air and read a book.
Something nobody really knows about you: I spent a summer in Moldova, which is located between Ukraine and Romania, on a mission trip. I learned how to speak and write conversational Russian. Unfortunately, I have forgotten much of what I learned, but I enjoyed being immersed in a different culture and language.
News from our members
PRSA Orlando member lands organization on "The Today Show"
Samantha O'Lenick, director of media relations for Florida Hospital and PRSA Orlando member, brought national recognition to Florida Hospital when "The Today Show" interviewed the owner of the hospital's pet therapy pooch.
Twice a week, the disabled dachshund Hans scoots around Florida Hospital Oceanside in his doggy wheelchair to visit patients to help them improve their range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, mobility and sensation through the positive effects of pet therapy. And, because of his work, Hans and his public relations team recently made an appearance on "The Today Show." In addition to this show, Hans was also featured in the Orlando Sentinel, Daytona News Journal, "Inside Edition" and Orlando television stations.
Quote of the Month
"It is insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator's skill. For whereas the writer is concerned with what he puts into his writings, the communicator is concerned with what the reader gets out of it. He therefore becomes a student of how people read or listen."
—William Bernbach, quoted in "Bill Bernbach said," 1989
Submissions
To submit stories or ideas for the PRSA newsletter, please contact Communications VP Michelle Lynch.
Past issues
| 
