2008 CONFERENCE NEWS Get Connected at the 61st Annual PRSA International Conference
Career requirements are evolving daily. Join thousands of professionals for four jam-packed days at "The Point of Connection," PRSA’s 2008 International Conference. Invest in your career  by capitalizing on our 80-plus Conference sessions and dynamic keynotes. Learn how to combine proven techniques with the latest innovative strategies. Get step-by-step insight into how to effectively reach your audiences and sustain relationships. Connect with industry experts and peers to expand your networks. Return focused and rejuvenated with ideas that can be put into immediate action. Join us to learn, share and network with your peers at the premier public relations event of 2008. We look forward to connecting with you in Detroit. Register for the PRSA 2008 International Conference at the Saver Rate and save $200 today. Click HERE to register.
| 2008 International Conference
Co-Chairs
Gerry Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA 
Mary Henige, APR
| 2008 SILVER ANVIL NEWS Silver Anvil is Now on Facebook
Visit our Silver Anvil Awards Evening event page on Facebook to keep up with latest news about the industry's most recognized and prestigious award program. The icon of best public relations practices, the Silver Anvil Awards will be presented on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at the Equitable Center in midtown Manhattan. The Silver Anvil Awards Evening has been named the “#1 Public Relations Industry Event in New York” by BizBash in its annual “New York’s Top 100 Events,” and will feature special guest celebrities along with pre-eminent public relations professionals who have risen to the top of their game in a highly competitive contest. Use the Silver Anvil Awards Evening event page to invite others to learn more about the event and post your photos from the 2007 Silver Anvil Awards Evening. As we get closer to June 5, we'll post more updates, including podcast links, webcast dates, video clips and post-event photos. Back to top
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| PRSA NEWS
2008 Nominating Committee Begins 2009 Board Search
Strong boards need strong leaders, and there is no shortage of potential candidates among PRSA members. In addition to contributing to the management of the organization and representing the Society to a variety of internal and external audiences, board members benefit greatly as they use and hone their senior executive management skills and experience. Fifteen board positions are available beginning in 2009. The officer positions are one-year terms and the director positions are two-year terms. The Assembly delegate-at-large and International Assembly delegate-at-large position are one-year terms. The available national positions are: - Chair and CEO-elect
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Director, East Central District
- Director, Mid-Atlantic District
- Director, Midwest District
- Director, Northeast District
- Director, Sunshine District
- Director, Tri-State District
- Director, Western District
- Director-at-Large
- Two Assembly delegates-at-large (two positions are open)
- Two International delegates-at-large (two positions are open)
Eligible candidates must be accredited, PRSA members in good standing, and have served in at least one of the following capacities: - Voting delegate in at least one national PRSA Assembly
- Chapter president
- Section chair
- District chair
- Chair of a national committee
Nominations should be sent to Donna Jonas, 33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038-5150, or by e-mail to nomcomm@prsa.org. Information packets that outline the specifics of the nominating process will be sent to those individuals. The candidate application, process timetable and other nominating materials are available by clicking here. Candidate materials must be received by 5 p.m. (in the time zone in which the candidate resides) on Monday, June 9, 2008 — no exceptions. For example, an East Coast-based candidate must submit materials by 5 p.m. EDT, while a West Coast-based candidate must submit materials by 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT. Once eligibility is confirmed, PRSA members can send candidate comment letters, with a limit of 300 words, by 5 p.m. (in the time zone in which the candidate resides) on Monday, July 7. The Nominating Committee will review applications and commentary, and then meet Aug. 1–3 in Chicago, Ill., to interview officer candidates in person and director candidates by phone. Candidates for Assembly delegate-at-large and International delegate-at-large positions will be considered based on information they provide on their application.
| | Teleconferences for Interested Candidates
If you are considering becoming a candidate and have questions about the state of PRSA and current initiatives, the teleconferences are an opportunity to have them answered. The calls are scheduled for two different dates and times to accommodate your schedule. Dial in and participate on the call that is most convenient for you. Potential candidates are encouraged to participate in information teleconferences to learn more about board service from Jeffrey Julin, APR, 2008 chair and CEO; Michael Cherenson, APR, 2008 chair-elect and CEO; William Murray, president and COO; and Barry Glazer, parliamentarian.
Teleconference Dates
Dial-in number: (866) 244-4637 (Domestic) / (703) 639-1179 (International)
Teleconference name: PRSA Nominating Process Tuesday, May 13, 2008
11a.m.–12 p.m. (EDT)
(10 a.m. CDT, 9 a.m. MDT, 8 a.m. PDT, 7 a.m. Alaska and 5 a.m. Hawaii) 3–4 p.m. (EDT)
(2 p.m. CDT, 1 p.m. MDT, 12 p.m. PDT, 11 a.m. Alaska and 9 a.m. Hawaii)
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Jeffrey Julin Michael Cherenson
 
Barry Glazer William Murray
| FREE Resume Posting: PRSA Launches Updated JobCenter
Using our JobCenter is now easier and more functional than ever. PRSA recently launched the updated and redesigned JobCenter, which is now a fully featured site that offers more  information and easy-to-use functionalities for job seekers and employers. Posting a resume is now FREE. We also added an anonymous resume posting option for job seekers. Employers now have the benefit of pre-screen filters, bulk posting and a user-friendly candidate management system. Moreover, PRSA has developed a new heavily discounted pricing structure for members. To post a job or resume, visit the JobCenter.
Posting a resume on JobCenter gives members access to a public relations and communications targeted community of more than 32,000 members, including more than 9,900 students, as well as a database of 45,000 communication professionals from across the country. In addition to enhancing the JobCenter design and functionality, PRSA also has engaged TopRank Online Marketing to provide search engine optimization and promotion services to extend the visibility of JobCenter listings on Web sites, such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft Live. TopRank works with some of the largest companies on the Web, and we look forward to using their expertise to help JobCenter users get even more value from their listings through improved search engine rankings.
| | QuickStart Can Help New Professionals with Career Direction
Once they’ve left the hallowed halls of their colleges or universities, new public relations professions should have an idea (an inkling, maybe) of the direction they want their careers to head. Should they look for a job in the private sector, in a corporate communications or public relations department? Are they thinking they want to work in the public sector at a government agency, or perhaps a public relations agency? For the undecided, PR QuickStart, is a resourceful tool that offers free Web-based training in public relations for new professionals. PR QuickStart provides an overview of the fundamental skills required to work in public relations and what to expect if a person decides to work for a public relations agency. The updated PR QuickStart curriculum is divided into three courses: 1) What Is Public Relations? 2) The Agency Life and 3) Media Relations. The site is packed with case histories, news articles, video and links to other industry resources, as well as tips and advice from public relations professionals at different levels. Members will find links to industry newsletters, public relations blogs and job boards. PR QuickStart also is a great place to refresh your public relations knowledge. PR QuickStart is collaborative partnership between The Council of Public Relations Firms and the Counselors Academy. For more information, send an e-mail to Carolyn Marr or call her at (212) 460-1420.
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| APR Readiness Reviews, Examinations Post Double-Digit Gains in 2007
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) posted tremendous gains in 2007, according to candidate tracking information maintained by the Universal Accreditation Board. While applications were down slightly over 2006 levels, the number of Readiness Reviews were up 24 percent — with a record monthly high of 48 reviews administered in May 2007. Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) administered in 2007 increased by 42 over 2006 — with a record monthly high of 45 Examinations in June 2007. This success is attributed, in part, to the June 2007 launch of the electronic APR Study Guide, which is now available without cost to APR candidates. The 2007 CBE pass rate was 69.7 percent, which remains consistent with the pass rate since the CBE was instituted in 2003. Click HERE for more information. Back to top
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| NEWS AND OFFERINGS FROM MEMBERSHIP PRSA to Conduct Major Membership Survey
PRSA is embarking on a major membership research initiative to measure and evaluate member satisfaction, and to examine members’ perceptions of the services and products we currently offer. This research will help us identify the needs of professionals by career stage, organization type and professional specialty. As a result, we will look to create and deliver membership benefits that meet the needs of a vibrant and diverse group of professionals. Historically, the Society has surveyed members every three years. The last survey was conducted in 2005. Later this spring, a random sample of PRSA members will receive a survey via e-mail. Following a formal Request for Proposal process, a joint venture of Ketchum Communications and Echo Research succeeded in earning the project contract. Ketchum brings many years of expertise in organizational branding, knowledge of the public relations profession and experience with professional associations. Echo contributes the critical element of research excellence.
| | Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Now Posted Online
Member can access minutes of the PRSA Board of Directors quarterly meeting, which took place on Jan. 25, 2008. Click HERE to read the minutes. You must be logged into MemberNet to view the minutes.
| | PRC Search: PRSA's Virtual Library — A FREE Member Resource
Creating a successful public relations campaign? Dealing with a challenging product launch? Wish you could look at expert ideas 24/7?
PRC Search, PRSA's virtual library, contains more than 25 years of award-winning campaigns from PRSA's Anvil Award program. Find the best of the best campaigns for crisis  communications, reputation/brand management, special events and more.
Access to a full collection of articles from
PR Tactics and The Strategist also are at your fingertips. Get practical advice on protecting your company's reputation, honing your boss' interview skills, and managing the blogosphere.
PRC Search also includes other valuable research publications and surveys, including the new APR Study Guide, the latest Internship Guide and "Wired for Change," which reports on the impact of technology on public relations.
You can speak to an experienced information professional to help you with your research challenges. Contact the Professional Resource Center at (212) 460-1459 or send an e-mail to resources@prsa.org.
| | College of Fellows Seeks Volunteer Mentors
The College of Fellows Mentoring Program is highly rated both by Fellows who serve as mentors and members who take advantage of the opportunity to receive advice and counsel. There is no question that the Mentoring Program is providing a valuable and appreciated service. Given the increasing popularity of the program, we need additional mentoring volunteers. The program’s success depends on your involvement. To register as a mentor, apply online HERE. To apply for a mentor, click HERE. Complete the form and e-mail it to Heather Ritchey. Once your application is received, your information is put into the system and you will receive an e-mail stating that you have been matched with a mentor. Ongoing mentoring is carried out usually via phone and e-mail. To learn more about the mentor program, click HERE.
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| Western District Conference Discovering New Frontiers in PR
Strap on your booster rockets and plan on joining your fellow public relations professionals at the PRSA Western District Conference in Tucson, Ariz., April 24–25, 2008. This year’s theme, “Discovering New Frontiers in PR,” pays homage to the exciting Phoenix Mars Mission, the first space venture to be led by a public university, Tucson's University of Arizona. The 2008 conference will focus on new frontiers in public relations as the profession grows  globally. The meteoric growth of the business opportunities means that you need to keep your telescope aimed at the most innovative ways to reach your audiences. And what better place to experience the vistas of our profession than Tucson — a beautiful and diverse city offering visitors endless options — not to mention, the conference's JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort. The Southern Arizona Chapter's conference organizers promise you’ll be in orbit with the exciting programs being planned. Featured speakers and presenters are rumored to be “out of this world,” so don’t wait too long for liftoff. For more information and to register online, click HERE. Back to top
| | NEWS AND OFFERINGS FROM
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Share Real-World Solutions From the Digital Community Frontier
Co-presented by Cision, Medialink and the Public Relations Society of America
Discover how to align your business strategies with emerging technologies at the Digital Impact Conference, to be held June 9-10, 2008, at the Marriott New York Downtown Hotel. Place  "relations" back at the center of your marketing mix. Speakers include: Conference Chair Eric Schwartzman, Keynote Speakers Josh Bernoff, principal analyst at Forrester Research and author of the forthcoming book “Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies,” and David Carr, columnist, Monday Business section, New York Times, with focus on media issues including print, digital, film, radio and television. Media Guests - Jude Biersdorfer, New York Times Tech Podcast
- Betsy Alexander, former senior producer at the “Today Show”
- Steve Baker, Business Week
- Richard Wilner, New York Post, Sunday business editor
- Chris Kaufman, Reuters, breaking news editor
Additional speakers include Spencer Ante, Business Week; K. C. Brown, senior vice president, Client Development, Cision US, Inc.; Norm Clements, senior vice president, Global Media Analysis, Cision US, Inc.; Leslie Darling, vice president, Media and Entertainment, comScore Networks; Jay Krall, manager, Internet Media Research, Cision US, Inc.; Paul Gillin, author, “The New Influencers”; Lee Odden, CEO of TopRank® Online Marketing; Ron Ploof, new media evangelist; Denise Shiffin, marketing strategist, speaker and author; Matthew Snodgrass, vice-president of digital marketing, Porter Novelli; Heidi Sullivan, director, Electronic Media, Cision US, Inc.; Larry Thomas, chief operating officer, Medialink; Stephen Turcotte, president and founder, Backbone Media Inc.; John Wall, marketing manager, AccuRev; Eric Rabe, vice president, Media Relations, Verizon; Connie Reece, founder, Social Media Club Austin; Peter Verrengia, president and senior partner, Communications Consulting Worldwide (CCW); and more. Back to top
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Eric Schwartzman Josh Bernoff David Carr
  
Spence Ante K.C. Brown Paul Gillin
  
Lee Odden Ron Ploof Denise Shiffin
  
M. Snodgrass Heidi Sullivan Larry Thomas
  
Stephen Turcotte John Wall Eric Rabe
 
Connie Reece Peter Verrengia
| NEWS AND OFFERINGS FROM SECTIONS Experience the Value of PRSA’s Professional Interest Sections
What are Professional Interest Sections and how do they add value to your PRSA membership? This month is the perfect opportunity to find out. Now through April 30, members can add a PRSA Section of their choice at a $20 savings on their first year’s dues. Sections are designed to focus on issues, trends and research of a specialized practice area. With forums to contribute expertise and resources to increase professional effectiveness, Sections offer niche networks and programming that are precisely relevant to professionals who work in one industry or that focus on a specific practice.
The offer is open to PRSA members and associate members, and is valid for new Section memberships only — not renewals. There is a limit of one “bonus” Section per member. To add a Section membership today, and click on the “Give Yourself a $20 Bonus” icon to the right. For more information, visit Sections.
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| Educators Academy Calls for Papers
2008 Betsy Plank Graduate Research Competition and PRSA Top Faculty Paper Awards
The Educators Academy invites public relations educators, graduate students and professionals to submit competitive papers for presentation at the 2008 PRSA International Conference in Detroit, Oct. 25-28. Papers should test, refine or expand public relations practice, research or theory, or critically review issues relevant to public relations theory or research. Papers employing all methods of inquiry are invited. Also to be presented at International Conference, the Academy is inviting submissions of competitive abstracts relating to public relations pedagogy its poster session. The session, to be held during the Educators Academy pre-Conference programming on Oct. 25, will showcase 20 best practices in education. Deadline for materials for papers and abstracts is June 27. For complete details, click HERE .
| | Call for Entries: Technology Journalism Awards
The PRSA Technology Section issued a call for entries for its annual Awards for Excellence in Technology Journalism. The awards are intended to recognize journalists in general or business publications and technical/trade magazines and newsletters who have published articles that are valuable to their readers, show clarity in the communication, and are significant in disclosing, explaining, interpreting, and reporting innovation and recognizing newsworthiness. Published articles are judged by peer-interest journalists. Two winners are chosen to receive a cash prize award of $1,000 and two crystal award trophies each, one for the journalist and one for display by each news organization that published a winning story. Deadline for entries is May 27. For complete details, click HERE.
| | Don’t Miss These Upcoming Professional Interest Section Events PRSA Association/Nonprofit Section Conference
PR 2.0: Riding the Social Media Wave
April 25, Alexandria, Va.
For complete details and to register, click HERE. PRSA Counselors Academy Spring Conference
Survival of the Fleetest: Anticipate. Adapt. Act.
May 18-20, Naples, Fla.
For complete details and to register, click HERE. PRSA Travel and Tourism Section/SATW Associates Council Conference
Go for Green!
June 18-20, Pittsburgh, Pa.
For complete details and to register, click HERE. Executive Bloggers: The Latest Tool for Communicating With Employees Sponsored by the PRSA Employee Communications Section
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
3 p.m. EDT
For complete details and to register, click HERE. Back to top
| | PRSSA NEWS PRSSA Selects 2008-2009 National Committee
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) recently elected the 2008-2009 National Committee at the PRSSA 2008 National Assembly, March 13-16, in San Diego, CA. Delegates from 99 Chapters around the country were in attendance to vote on nominated candidates. The election process required each candidate to submit a National Assembly Candidate Nomination Form, present a speech in front of the Assembly and participate in a 15 minute question and answer session. - National President: Brandi Boatner (Hawaii Pacific University)
- Immediate Past President: Melissa M. Csuhran (Ohio Northern University)
- Vice President of Advocacy: Courtney Olson (University of North Dakota)
- Vice President of Chapter Development: Tiffany Riggs (University of Memphis)
- Vice President of Internships and Job Services: Cecilia Marie Hughes (Eastern Connecticut University)
- Vice President of Member Services: Rebecca Timms (Rowan University)
- Vice President of Professional Development: Tyler Page (Brigham Young University)
- Vice President of Regional Activities: Jena Johnson (Central Michigan University)
- FORUM Editor-in-Chief: Cindy Washburn (Brigham Young University)
The vice president of public relations position is currently open and will be filled shortly via an election process by the 2007-2008 National Committee. The PRSSA National Committee guides the Society in its growth and development. Each member has the responsibility of managing the business and affairs of PRSSA, while most importantly, serving as a resource for individual Chapters and members with special projects and/or problems.
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| 2008-2009 PRSSA National Committee
Back row (from left): Cindy Washburn, Courtney Olson, Cecilia Hughes, Jena Johnson
Front row (from left): Tiffany Riggs, Tyler Page, Melissa Csuhran, Brandi Boatner, Rebecca Timms | PARTNERSHIP NEWS WOMM-U: Activating Networks, Influencers, and Communities
The Word of Mouth Marketing University (WOMM-U) will hold their two-day experiential learning event on May 8-9, 2008, in Miami, Fla. Because of WOMM-U’s commitment to furthering WOMM education, it is a great learning opportunity for WOMM newbies and long-time WOM advocates alike. Features include: - Hear big brand case studies from WOM programs that work.
- Learn to use the latest communication platforms.
- Hands-on peer workshop sessions and networking.
For more information, click HERE.
| | PRSA, HispanicMPR.com Establish Cross Promotional Alliance
Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations (HispanicMPR.com), an online forum and audio podcast for the exchange of information and ideas on Hispanic marketing and public relations, and PRSA recently announced a cross-promotional event partnership agreement for 2008. Under that agreement, the two organizations will exchange access to information and registration materials for some 2008 PRSA events. "This joint effort offers our members an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of how to engage diverse communities in both communications and collaboration," said PRSA Chair and CEO Jeffrey Julin, APR. "It also is a demonstration of PRSA's commitment to the wide interests and areas of expertise of our members." Three PRSA events that will benefit from additional Hispanic market exposure are the Health Academy’s 19th Annual Conference, held April 2-4  in Chicago, Ill.; Counselors Academy Spring Conference to be held May 18-20 in Naples, Fla.; and the PRSA International Conference to be held Oct. 25-28 in Detroit, Mich. “We’re excited to work with PRSA for the second year in a row,” said HispanicMPR.com Editor Elena del Valle, MBA. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for both organizations to expand our reach and offer richer content alternatives to our audiences.”
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| London to Host World Public Relations Conference & Festival
Home to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and "mind the gap," London will host the 5th World Public Relations Conference & Festival. Organized by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and in association with the Global Alliance, the conference and festival will take place June 23-24, 2008, at the InterContinental Hotel. Themed "The Public Benefit of Public Relations," the event will: - Encourage best practice through the use of case study material from PR practitioners around the world.
- Stimulate debate and discussion on relevant global industry issues.
- Create the ideal environment for networking with PR practitioners from a variety of different backgrounds.
- Celebrate the success and growth of the PR industry on an international basis.
- Examine the future of the PR industry and what needs to be done to ensure its survival
A variety of additional fringe activities will create a week of events around the conference to showcase our industry and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Institute.
A variety of additional fringe activities will create a week of events around the conference to showcase our industry and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Institute. To learn more about the conference and festival, click HERE.
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| American Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities
PRSA and the American Red Cross joined forces to create "The Power of Two," a partnership designed to recruit, train and use public relations professionals to help manage disasters on local and national levels. By registering, PRSA members can translate their compassion and skills into immediate action for the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Click HERE to learn more. To sign up, complete the registration form and you will be listed in a database of communications professionals "on call" to help with disaster relief efforts throughout the year. For information on Chapter-wide training, send an e-mail request to the Red Cross.
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 | DHL Delivers with Great Savings
PRSA members can save up to 25 percent on DHL’s full suite of shipping services, including: DHL Next Day, DHL 2nd Day, DHL Ground and International delivery services. As a special offer, PRSA members who open a new DHL account today will receive a $25 DHL Savings Certificate (conditions apply) after three shipments are delivered on the new account. Call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET) today to speak with a dedicated Member Service Representative, or click HERE to set up your free account. All services may not be available in all areas and are subject to DHL Terms and Conditions. Click HERE for DHL Terms and Conditions and to verify service availability. Back to top
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