It's a New Year for the NEW PRSA Chapter

By Adam Hardy, president-elect

This has been a very exciting year for PRSA in NE Wisconsin. Weighing in at 68 members, we have a vibrant chapter that’s poised to grow even more in 2009.

Our 2008 Board of Directors has led the chapter in new directions, incorporating a fresh look and feel for our Web site with a powerful online meeting-registration tool. For 2009, the Board will have a balanced blend of veterans and newer members who are sure to do great things.

As most of you know, our meeting presenters have been nothing short of exceptional this year, and much thanks goes to our programming committee for selecting them. Most noteworthy in my mind was Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman and her presentation on reading and interpreting nonverbal cues. I think many of us left the meeting feeling a little more self-aware, if not entirely self-conscious. And, of course, now I know what my CEO is thinking before he does. Thanks Carol!

For 2009, we plan to vigorously implement our chapter’s strategic plan. This means we’ll continue to build our membership by providing top notch professional development opportunities while elevating the brand of the PR profession in our communities.

Clearly, a large component of this goal rests on the content of our meetings. This is especially true for members new to the profession, though all of us benefit from coming together as a united chapter. For those of you who have been in the field for a while, APR is another unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

Of course, while we take professional development very seriously, we of the PR stripe are nothing if not people-philes, and what would a PRSA chapter be without plenty of networking opportunities? If you don’t have it on your calendar already, December 9 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. is our famous winter social. Come on over to the Brett Favre Steakhouse to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow practitioners. And if you can guess the secret password, I’ll buy you a drink.

As always, our chapter’s strength is in its members. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or another board member.

I’m looking forward to a great 2009, but before then we’ll see you at the social!

D-Town Delegate: A report from the PRSA National Assembly

By Roz Barker

As part of the 2008 PRSA International Conference, the PRSA Board and representatives from Chapters across the nation met for the National Assembly, and I was there representing our Northeast Wisconsin Chapter. It was a full day of parliamentary procedures, electronic voting, listening to reports on the status of our organization and networking with other assembly delegates. Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Julin gave us the “state of the society” report and some interesting facts:

·        Nationally, there are more than 22,000 members of PRSA and almost 10,000 PRSSA members

·        Members are generally satisfied with PRSA and are likely to renew membership and recommend membership (scoring 7-8 out of 10 in the membership survey)

·        Major initiatives are underway in 2008 including strategic planning, membership, publications, bylaws, job center, chapter support and Web site redesign

The Leadership Task Force, formed at the last Assembly, gave their report. Their research showed that there is no clear path of leadership within the various ranks of the society. Some of their next steps include developing job descriptions for Chapter, District and Section leadership positions; create a pilot leadership training program for immediate Chapter past presidents; and reassemble updated Quick Start volunteer training materials.

Financially, we are a healthy society with net assets of almost $3.8 million. We voted to not increase dues for 2009.

In the afternoon, we spent time in strategic dialogue on the role PRSA should play in establishing practice standards for the profession.  We reviewed our Code of Ethics, discussed the pros and cons of professional licensing/professional certification and putting sanctions back into the Code. Although no decisions were made, the Board received lots of feedback from the members on these issues.

Nearing 5 p.m., we had to vote whether to extend our time as stated on the agenda. Not surprisingly, the motion failed - it was an exhausting day and everyone needed a break!

The minutes and reports from the Assembly can all be found on the PRSA Web site on MemberNet.

Mark Your Calendar for the PRSA Holiday Social

Don't miss a yearly tradition of the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of PRSA. This year's Holiday Social will be Tues., Dec. 9 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay. Stop by whenever you can for networking and holiday cheer.

As part of our commitment to the community, please bring a book (or two or three!) for the Give-a-Kid-a-Book Campaign. If you can't make the Holiday Social and still want to donate a book(s), please drop off your donations at any Brown County Library or Associated Bank in Brown County.

Next Year, You Might as Well Jump

Invest four hours in learning about the APR process to find out if 2009 is the year you decide to take the plunge in professional and personal development. The APR JumpStart Session will be from 3-7 p.m. on Tues., Feb 3, at Jewelers Mutual in Neenah.

The session is free, with a light dinner provided, compliments of the chapter. This is a joint session for the NEW, Madison and Southeast Wisconsin PRSA chapters, and space is limited to ensure a high quality experience. RSVP's will be required.

A minimum of five years' experience in public relations and related fields is recommended. For more information or to register, please contact Chapter Accreditation Chair Janet Bonkowski, APR.

Local PRSSA Advisor is Elected to PRSA Board

Dr. Julie K. Henderson, PRSSA faculty advisor at UW-Oshkosh, was elected an officer of the Board of Directors of the Educators Academy of the Public Relations Society of America during the recent national PRSA conference in Detroit.

Henderson was elected treasurer of the Academy, which includes university educators and practitioners who have a commitment to improving the quality of teaching and scholarly research. The Academy, with about 350 members, was founded in 1978.

Her term will continue through 2010.

Now We Know...When a Reporter Calls

November's PRSA meeting featuring Sue Fritz, senior marketing communications specialist from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. About 30 local PR professionals joined Sue at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for a discussion on what to do when a reporter calls. Stories were shared, pasta was consumed and lessons were learned by all.

See the photos from the meeting.

December Anniversaries

6 years
Amanda Brooker
Charlene De Coster

1 year
Katie Curler
Janee Doxtator