President's Message
 By now, most of you have heard about this month's speaker — Carmine Gallo. I hope you've already registered, as we anticipate this event to sell out. It's just one more example of PRSA Orlando's commitment to bringing the best programs to Central Florida and continuing to enhance your membership.
Since we're so excited to have Carmine at our next meeting, we've extended the invitation to several other professional organizations in the area, so not only will it be a great presentation, but it will also be a great opportunity for you to network with many other Central Florida communicators and professionals.
While you're networking, you may want to think about which local business — perhaps your own or a client's — to nominate for our second annual PRSA Orlando/Frank Stansberry Ethics Award. In partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, we created this award last year to recognize local businesses that diligently practice high ethical standards. Keep reading to find out more, and go to our Web site to fill out the application.
And if you're looking for an extra edge to further your own career, consider stopping by the APR Orientation. Obtaining your APR is an extremely rewarding accomplishment for any public relations professional, and all the challenges and effort that accompany the preparation is worth it. Just ask around.
That's it for me this month. See you at the meeting.
—Andrea Finger, APR
PRSA Orlando presents Carmine Gallo
A can't-miss meeting!
Carmine Gallo, former Emmy award-winning journalist, leading corporate presentation coach and author of the new book "Ten Simple Secrets of the World's Greatest Communicators," will be featured at PRSA Orlando's August luncheon.
What makes Jack Welch and Rudy Giuliani such powerful communicators? What dazzling speaking and presentation skills do Carly Fiorina and Suze Orman possess that many others don't? How does Steve Jobs inspire and motivate his employees? Find out the secrets of these and other well-tongued top executives and gain practical tips for making yourself, your client and your CEO more passionate, engaging and captivating communicators at our can't-miss August 17 luncheon.
In a special keynote appearance, Carmine Gallo will highlight content from his book, which features more than two dozen first-person interviews, stories, profiles and techniques of some of the most charismatic, inspiring and persuasive leaders of our time.
He'll share practical advice and examples on:
- How to get people to care about your message
- How to tell a business story that's clear, concise and compelling
- How to make an emotional connection with your audience and captivate it in the first few seconds
- How to talk, walk and look like a leader
This program is a must-attend for professionals who not only make presentations — whether that means pitching ideas to the media or to the boss, leading a client or department meeting, making a sales pitch or asking for fundraising dollars — but also for those who write presentations for and help coach clients and CEOs. This special PRSA program is also ideal for bringing your client or boss, as well as other key members of your or your client's organization. The first 75 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of Gallo's book. Click here for more information on Gallo.
Date: Thursday, August 17
Time: Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; Lunch begins at noon
Place: The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., 18th Floor, Orlando
PARKING TIP: There is parking availability at the Lincoln Center across the street from The Citrus Club
Cost: $20 for members, $30 for guests, $25 for students, $250 for a corporate table of 10
Click here to RSVP. You can pay online using PayPal, or pay at the event using cash or check only
Please include your name, company, title, phone number and e-mail address. When you RSVP, please mention if you would like a vegetarian meal.
Cancellations received after August 14 and no-shows will be billed.
Is your company interested in sponsoring a luncheon? For information on sponsorship packages, contact Mike Ertel at ertel@voteseminole.org or Dan Ward at dward@thestrategicfirm.com.
Now accepting nominations for PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Ethics Award
PRSA Orlando is proud to recognize outstanding local ethical practices with its annual PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Ethics Award. Created in 2005, the award is named after local public relations professional, professor and mentor Frank Stansberry.
Throughout his 30-year career in public relations and 10 years of experience in print media, Stansberry served as president of PRSA's Orlando Chapter, chair of its Sunshine District and on its national board of directors. Stansberry is known for his outspoken advocacy for the highest ethical standards in business practice. His dedication to ethics in public relations has profoundly impacted thousands of professionals who studied with him throughout his tenure at the University of Central Florida.
PRSA members commit to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice, solidified by adopting the Member Code of Ethics. PRSA views this code as a model for other professions, organizations and professionals.
As such, PRSA Orlando regards this award as a great recognition to a local business demonstrating high ethical standards. A business may nominate itself for the award or be nominated by someone else. The deadline for all submissions is Aug. 25, 2006.
Submissions require a copy of the company's code of ethics, a statement by the company on why its commitment to ethics is important to business and examples of its commitment to business ethics, both to employees and external audiences.
A judging panel established by the PRSA Orlando Regional Chapter will review all applications in their entirety to select the company that best demonstrates a strong commitment to business ethics. Nominations will be judged based on the PRSA Code of Ethics. In addition, all applicants will be subject to an ethics check, which includes:
- A Better Business Bureau search to determine if a nominee has any outstanding complaints on file
- An online media search to determine if any publicity may cause the judging panel or general public to question the company's worthiness of the award
The company receiving the award will be recognized during a special PRSA Orlando luncheon on September 21. The company's CEO or other representative will be invited to be the luncheon's speaker, focusing on the company's commitment to ethics.
Click here for the nomination form.
Last year's recipient was Massey Services.
Looking for an edge? Try adding three initials after your name: APR
By Dawn Vaughan
Accountants have their CPA. Architects have their AIA. Formal credential processes exist throughout the medical, real estate, financial and other industries. As a public relations professional, you have the opportunity to sharpen your craft and distinguish yourself by achieving the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential.
If you're committed to pursuing professional Accreditation or simply contemplating it for the future, you probably have questions. Accreditation Chair Dawn Vaughan, APR, is planning an orientation session for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, at the offices of Broad and Cassel in downtown Orlando. Among the topics will be:
- Review of Accreditation Process
- Review of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to be tested
- Review of Reference Texts
- Discussion of Readiness Review and Portfolio
- Examination Fee and other Costs
- APR Candidate's Checklist
- Study Session Schedule
Please come prepared to share your questions and insights. Recently credentialed professionals will also be available to answer your questions.
A minimum of five years of experience in public relations and related fields is recommended. If you'd like to attend the orientation, or would like to but can't make this date, please contact Dawn Vaughan at dvaughan@floridasbloodcenters.org or (407) 226-3856.
Click here for more information on the Accreditation process.
New Members
PRSA Orlando welcomes the following new members:
- Melissa Lyn Hilliard, Sr. Communications Rep, Lockheed Martin
- Lisa Diane Holroyd, PR Coordinator, Universal Orlando Resort
- Ralph James McCoig, President, MCCO Communications Inc.
- G. Michael Fair, President, Fair Communications Inc.
Ten Minutes/Ten Questions
Name: Beth Thibodaux
Occupation: Assistant Regional Director, Government & Public Affairs, Florida Hospital
PRSA Involvement: Member since 2002
Person who has most influenced your life: My mother, Debby Murphy
Quote to live by: "There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." (Can apply to many situations.)
What made you choose PR as a profession: I was originally a psychology major with a minor in communication. Once I took my first Communication Theory class I was hooked! Who knew there were so many ways to interpret a message?
Best PR advice you ever received: "Go with your gut."
Greatest accomplishment: Aside from my son, Drew, completing my MA in Communication (while working full time!)
Favorite thing to do on the weekend: Trying to unwind with a book, but usually I'm trying to keep up with my two-year-old.
Be part of PRSA's Member-Get-A-Member Campaign in August
By Mason Moore
Who can spread the word about PRSA better than its dedicated members? Strengthen your profession while advancing the career of a colleague!
Benefits to referring members:
- Each member who recruits a new member will earn PRSA Dollars. These can be used in the PRSA gift store for gift merchandise or towards PRSA seminars and teleseminars (excluding the International Conference). The more members you recruit, the more PRSA Dollars you win! You'll receive $40 for the first Full Member and $25 for the first Associate Member you refer.
- For each new member you recruit in August, your name will be entered in a drawing for additional awards.
*To receive the referral bonus and be entered in the drawing, your membership must be current, and the individuals you refer must first be accepted and activated as new members.
Benefits to new members:
- Gain access to the information, network and resources PRSA membership provides.
- Each person joining as part of this membership offer receives a complimentary copy of The Associated Press Stylebook and a voucher for a PRSA gift item — a $50 total value.
The first year's dues for Full Members are $340 ($225 national dues, $65 initiation fee, $50 Orlando Chapter dues); dues are lower for Associate Members. Visit prsa.org or see the membership application for details.
To join, apply online at prsa.org and click Membership. Enter the promotional code MGAM2006, and name the referring PRSA member in the promotion code field to benefit from this special offer.
Member News
Congratulations to Becky Niemann on her new position as Administrative Director of Marketing and Corporate Development of Florida Hospital East Orlando. In her new role, she will represent Corporate Development on the East Orlando Campus and the South East Quadrant of the market.
Congratulations to Peter Scott on his new position as Online Director for World Publications in Winter Park. In this role, he will be responsible for the strategic positioning and image of its network of more than 25 different Web sites.
Congratulations to Marie Kephart, our newest APR!
Membership Information
Remember to update your membership information through PRSA National. Click here to log in to PRSA's MemberNet and update your information or make sure it's current.
Did you receive your 2006 PRSA Orlando Membership Directory? If you haven't, contact Mason Moore at mmoore@fhbnet.com.
Check out the Job Bank
Keep checking PRSA Orlando's up-to-date job bank for the latest openings in Central Florida.
Or, if you're looking for the best talent in the area, post your company's open positions on the site.
Recent postings include available positions at:
- Turnstile Publishing Company - Orlando
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Fry Hammond Barr - Orlando/Miami
- Gilbert & Manjura Marketing - Longwood
Click below to check it out!
Submissions
To submit stories or ideas for the PRSA newsletter, please contact Communications VP Michelle Lynch.
Past issues
| 
