President's Message
 Dear Colleagues,
Have you ever been in a meeting that seems to be going on forever and is heading absolutely nowhere? I know I have. How about a conference call that feels like your own conversation? Hello out there! Is anyone even listening? Depending on the topic, the purpose of the meeting and all of the stuff people have constantly distracting them from what's going on, meetings/calls can be the demise of any kind of creative and/or team building process. Recently, I had lunch with a friend who shared with me that all meetings should have a P.A.L. — a Purpose, an Agenda and a Length. It's clear that when any of the three are missing, your meeting could end up not being the most effective use of time and could lack results.
PURPOSE: By having an established purpose for a meeting or a conference call, you are clear on why you have asked certain people to come together. There is nothing worse than having a meeting just to have a meeting because that's the way it's always been. If you have to meet, have a purpose, communicate it clearly to all involved and let it help you set the agenda.
AGENDA: Letting everyone know what exactly will be on the table for discussion is critical to a successful meeting. The agenda sets the tone. It prepares everyone. It gives preliminary life to the upcoming discussion. In addition, it keeps everyone on the same page and ultimately, supports your purpose.
LENGTH: When it comes to the amount of time a meeting is going to be, the most important thing to remember along with establishing a clear purpose and an agenda, is setting a time limit. Everyone is valuable and so is their time. By remembering that and respecting others, you are bound to see improvement in your overall participation and quality of ideas.
For example, over the last two months, I have had the privilege of leading a dynamic group of people, your PRSA Board of Directors, who work together moving the profession of public relations forward in the Central Florida area. When we meet, we meet for the purpose of adding value back to you, our members. Our agenda is ambitious. Our meeting length is one hour on a monthly basis. During this time, they report about the work they are doing to create value for every member in our chapter. They drive this motion in many different ways by the quality programs, effective communication, membership benefits, professional development opportunities, accreditation, networking and so much more. So, on your way to your next meeting, consider the P.A.L.
Thank you to all who continued to remind us of the important rules to remember as pr practitioners. I began the list below (1-15) and then, several of you contributed other rules to remember (16-30) since the last newsletter.
- Be prepared for the absolute best and the absolute worst.
- Relationships, relationships, relationships. Build them and maintain them.
- Be relative, stay current and link it all together in your campaigns.
- Smile, even when you're talking on the phone.
- Thoughtfully communicate both in your conversations and in your writing.
- Listen carefully.
- Read to sharpen your skills, and read to stay in touch with your audience.
- Respect deadlines.
- A good all-inclusive strategy will make the difference in all you do.
- Manage, manage, and then manage some more.
- Work really hard and make sure to have fun along the way.
- Embrace creativity in your own work and in others.
- Celebrate progress and accomplishments.
- Be nice. It's a small world.
- Get involved in something that you're excited about in the community.
- Ask questions — never be afraid to and, by making a conscious effort to do so, you may enhance your understanding. (Jamie Floer, APR)
- Honesty, honesty, honesty. There is no exception... ever. (Lori Kifer, APR)
- Our profession is about what you do and who you are. (Lori Kifer, APR)
- Know who you are talking to and what your goals are before you begin any conversation. (Sabrina Heise)
- Keep it simple — sometimes the best answer is simple and often overlooked. (Sabrina Heise)
- Be an overachiever — you'll love yourself for it! (Sabrina Heise)
- It's not just a job or list of tasks — it's your career and it reflects on you. (Sabrina Heise)
- Start every day with the outlook that today you can accomplish whatever is thrown at you. (Sabrina Heise)
- A question does not require an answer, but it does require a response. (Dan Ward, APR)
- Don't dwell over problems, focus on the solution. (Dan Ward, APR)
- Praise in public, scold in private. (Dan Ward, APR)
- Always have a "plan B." (Dan Ward, APR)
- A relationship with the CEO is worthless if you haven't also built a rapport with staff. (Dan Ward, APR)
- Research, research, research. (Dan Ward, APR)
- Don't play the blame game. Look for responsibility and apologize when necessary. People will respect you more for it. (Andrea Finger, APR)
Thanks to all for an outstanding month! I'm off to my next great meeting! Be sure to attend the upcoming luncheon on the 15th!
—Lorelie Johnson, APR
The Orlando Regional PRSA Chapter Proudly Presents Charlie Ridgway
Author of Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent
 During his more than 30 years with Disney's publicity team, Charlie Ridgway rubbed elbows with celebrities like Bob Hope and Walter Cronkite, played a key role in the opening of multiple theme parks and even orchestrated the marching of 50 white Peking ducks down Main Street in celebration of Donald Duck's fiftieth birthday. But that doesn't begin to cover all of the great things he accomplished during his distinguished career as a journalist and communications professional.
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Ridgway began his journalism career in 1947. During his time with the Los Angeles Mirror-News, he authored some of the first articles about Disneyland and covered its grand opening in 1955. Eight years later, he joined Disney's publicity team.
During his time with Disney, Ridgway assisted with the planning and execution of more than 150 major press events. He played an integral role in the openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. After his retirement in 1994, Ridgway consulted on many special projects including the launch of Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney Cruise Line. His latest endeavor adds "author" to his long list of career accomplishments. In his new book, Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent, he provides an entertaining and informative look into his more than 30 years of telling the Disney story.
Please join us as Mr. Ridgway shares:
- What really goes on with the opening of a new Disney location
- The challenges of publicizing one of the world's most recognizable brands
- How the communications profession has changed during his career
- And much more!
Entrée: Grilled Petit Filet
Dessert: Seasonal Berries
Where: The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Avenue, 18th Floor, Orlando, FL 32801
When: Thursday, March 15, 2007
Networking/registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch begins at noon
Cost:
$20 for members
$30 for non-members
$15 for students
Click here to register
Ten Minutes/Ten Questions
Name: Jim DeSimone
Occupation: Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Darden Restaurants, Inc.
PRSA Involvement: PRSA Member and Silver Anvil Judge
Person who has most influenced your life: I have been positively influenced by five incredible mentors in addition to the foundational role of my family. I've learned important lessons about the importance of respect and caring from former Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood, the importance of integrity and fairness from community leaders like Rick Walsh and Manning Pynn. Orlando Magazine publisher Jim Clark taught me not to take life too seriously and Darden founder Joe Lee really showed me the power of servant leadership.
Quote to live by: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in an ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." —Mother Theresa
What made you choose PR as a profession? We learn, we teach, we grow.
Best PR advice you ever received: Choose the people you work with wisely. If you share core values, your journey together will be long and fruitful.
Greatest accomplishment: Without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment was marrying my wife Beth.
Favorite thing to do on the weekend: A stack of Sunday newspapers, hot coffee, a Bach concerto on a beautiful Central Florida morning...
Something nobody really knows about you: Like millions of other Americans, I put myself through school by working at a restaurant.
Sunshine District Conference Save The Date
 Get Ready to Upgrade to HDPR: Creating the Clear Picture
What: High Definition Public Relations
When: July 26-28, 2007
Where: Disney's Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida
Stay tuned. More information to follow soon.
PRSA Promotion - Join Now And Save
Join PRSA in March 2007 and get A TASTE OF PRSA. Sign on during this promotion and save the $65 initiation fee!
- Click on the 'Taste of PRSA' icon at prsa.org, and follow the instructions for joining.
- Request a specially marked membership application from a local PRSA Chapter. (Orlando PRSA contact: Scott Toncray at scott_toncray@wycliffefoundation.org.)
- Contact PRSA member services at (212) 460-1400 or membership@prsa.org for an application.
Join today and experience the VALUE that membership provides. For details on member benefits, see "10 Reasons to be a PRSA Member" at prsa.org.
2007 Orlando Chapter Member Directory
Production of this year's Member Directory will begin soon. In order for your contact information to be correct, please remember to update your information with PRSA National, and check your status with the Orlando chapter.
Even if you haven't made any career moves, make sure your information is correct and accurate.
Also, when updating your information, remember to check your affiliation with PRSA Orlando to make sure you're part of your local chapter so you will be included in this year's directory.
Please visit prsa.org and log into MemberNet to check your contact information.
For additional questions, please contact scott_toncray@wycliffefoundation.org.
APR Workshops Begin March 14
APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. Candidates earn accreditation based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment.
Are you ready for the APR? The APR spring workshops begin March 14 and all interested candidates are invited to attend. This one-hour workshop is an orientation to the APR process and covers these topics:
- APR Overview
- Study Guide
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Application Process Introduction to RPIE
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 6 p.m.
Bennett & Company
230 N. Westmonte Drive, Suite 1000
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Visit the official Web site of the Universal Accreditation Board at praccreditation.org for the Candidate's Process Chart for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations and the Eligibility form.
About the APR Workshops
APR Workshops are held weekly from March through May at a convenient time and location for participating candidates. The one-hour sessions are led by seasoned APR facilitators to guide a discussion of core topics that will be covered on the APR written exam. The workshops are not required 'classes' but rather a professional development networking group of mentors prepared to help you succeed.
Key Dates
Submission of the UAB Eligibility Form - ASAP
Orientation APR Workshop - March 14
Written Submissions Due - April 6
Readiness Review Panel - April 27
RSVP
If you are interested in starting the APR process this spring, please RSVP to one of the contacts below and be sure to indicate a day, time and location that would work best for your schedule for the weekly workshops.
Susan Howard, APR at (407) 365-2162 or slh@duda.com
Cluny McCaffrey, APR at (407) 682-3664 x130 or cluny_mccaffrey@tnc.org
Laura E. Richeson, APR at (407) 478-4040 or lricheson@bennettandco.com
Directions to Bennett & Company
From I-4: Exit onto S.R. 436 heading west. Turn right onto Westmonte Drive. The two-story, beige building is on the left hand side as N. Westmonte Drive bends toward Douglas Avenue. Feel free to park in any available spot designated with a Bennett & Company sign.
New Members and Promotions
PRSA Orlando welcomes the following new members:
- Joseph Cutler Chabus, APR - Public Relations Manager, Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill
- Margaret A. Donaldson - Public Relations, Neiman Marcus
- Steven E. Gilmore - Community Relations, The Salvation Army
- Alexandra Page Heyward - Director of Business Development, Florida Hospital Institute for Lifestyle Medicine
- Lisa Stigall - Community Relations Manager, Harris Corporation
Congratulations to the following PRSA members:
PRSA Board Member Scott Toncray was recently promoted to Senior Director of Integrated Marketing Communications for Wycliffe Foundation, overseeing external relations of all Wycliffe Corporate Communications.
Dawn Vaughan has been promoted to Director of Marketing for Florida's Blood Centers.
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.
Click below to check it out!
Submissions
To submit stories or ideas for the PRSA newsletter, please contact Communications VP Michelle Lynch.
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