| President's Message |
 |
| By Dani McCann, President, Danielle.McCann@philips.com
July always makes me think of celebrations. But in this economy, I doubt many Americans feel much like merriment. Job losses, consolidation of resources and a down stock market are just some of things that are adding to frustration around our nation. And, everyone is affected in one way shape or form.
Celebrating the anniversar...[more] |
| |
| Call for volunteers: PRSA Pro Bono Day - Our Day to Do Good |
 |
| by Gretchen E. Fri, APR, gretchen.fri@infocision.com
‘Doing Good’ can go a long way toward making an impact on a community and creating a positive image for an organization. As part of the Chapter’s 40th anniversary, the Akron Area PRSA Chapter will be holding its first ever Pro Bono Day.
On Thurs., July 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing at the...[more] |
| |
| We did it! |
 |
| Our chapter has received special recognition from National PRSA Member Services for the Greatest Growth in 2008. In our member size category (Medium 100-199) we were among the top three, with Central Michigan and San Antonio also being recognized in the same class.
Our growth rate in 2008 was 17.9 percent and 13.1 percent over two years.
Special thanks to new members, long-time mem...[more] |
| |
| Tips From the Mind of a Former Reporter |
 |
| by Casey Barto, Committee Chair (Young Professionals), cbarto@knotice.com
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘patience is a virtue.’ The phrase can apply to just about anything, and public relations is no different.
With all the technology available today, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea of instant gratification. It’s important to remember, though, that reporters and editors are jus...[more] |
| |
| May-June Taste of PRSA Promotion – Extended through July 15! |
 |
| Join PRSA for $225 and the $65 initiation fee is waived.
Chapter dues are additional, and this is not valid for Associate members.
For more information, visit http://www.akronprsa.org/members/overview.asp Use Promotion Code: SPRING2009.
Join online here....[more] |
| |
| “Club 40” Sponsorship Update |
 |
| Our sponsorship program is still going strong!
We have added two more Bronze Level “Club 40” Sponsors to our list recently – sincere thanks go out to Eric Knappenberger of Smiley-Hanchulak and Dani McCann of Philips Healthcare giving us a total of 19 “Club 40” sponsors.
We are almost half way to our goal of 40 sponsors at the $40 level! We are still actively recruiting sponsors of...[more] |
| |
| July-August Web Membership Contest/Prospect Program |
 |
| PRSA is introducing a new July/August Membership Promotion – A Contest! Prizes include a free one-year National membership.
Details are here. ...[more] |
| |
| PRSA National Introduces Financial Hardship Assistance |
 |
| New Hardship Plan for Renewing Members Who Are Currently Unemployed or Temporarily Disabled. This plan — whereby qualified member receive a one-time reduction in their National dues — has been announced to members who are unemployed, are up for renewal, and have been members for five or more years. Contact Eileen Lintao, at Eileen.Lintao@prsa.org or call (212) 460-1490.
Did you know...[more] |
| |
| Have Your Say About PRSA Governance |
 |
| As professional communicators, we are keenly aware of the importance of keeping our constituents well informed. It’s what we do. In serving our organizations and clients, we all must sometimes convey messages that are complex and challenging to explain. But, of course, best practices call for the professional diligence and creativity to get those messages to audiences. And, it’s no di...[more] |
| |
| Former President's Desk -- What's Happening at Non-profits Now |
 |
| Editor’s Note: this new series highlights thoughts from past PRSA Akron presidents. This edition comes from Michael Gaffney, APR, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at United Way of Summit County.
Here at United Way of Summit County -- and at non-profit organizations throughout our region and the country -- we’re trying to navigate through these unprecedented economic times. ...[more] |
| |
| You Too April Professional Development Presentations |
 |
| If you attended the April PD Event, you may have already seen Bill Balderaz's presentation here. Now, you can download Dr. Stephen Brooks' presentation as well - just click here....[more] |
| |
| PRSA National CEO Visits Akron Chapter - Akron Beacon Journal Covers The Event |
 |
| The Akron Chapter of PRSA was excited to host Michael Cherenson, chief executive officer of the Public Relations Society of America at our May Luncheon and Dinner events. As a result of Mr. Cherenson's visit, the Akron Beacon Jounal stopped by to talk with him and get his thoughts on the PR industry. You can read full coverage by clicking here. ...[more] |
| |
| Use Social Media as Research Tools too |
 |
| by Casey Barto, Committee Chair (Young Professionals), cbarto@knotice.com
Social media is all the rage these days. Even if you or your client doesn’t use it for business purposes, you can still use it to your advantage. Many journalists and publications have Twitter feeds or blogs. Several even publicly post their contact information.
For example, Advertising Age publishes the Twitt...[more] |
| |
| Don’t Just Be Louder, Be a Leader – Four Tips to Get There |
 |
| By Dr. Jeanette Drake, APR, Fellow PRSA, Immediate Past President, jdrake2@kent.eduIt’s well known among communication scholars that leaders generally are louder, and I’m not talking about the Loud Family on SNL. Simply put, those who speak first and often are looked to for guidance.
Time reported a recent study that uncovers the foible of this human tendency, showing why bosses tend...[more] |
| |
| New Chapter Publicity Chair |
 |
| Carrie Hummel has been named Chapter Publicity Chair. Hummel is the Government Affairs Director for the Akron Area Board of REALTORS®, a 1,600-member professional organization serving REALTORS® and affiliated professionals in the greater Akron area.
In this role, she serves as editor of the association’s membership publication, acts as the media and governmental affairs contact, ser...[more] |
| |
| Sponsorship Update - We Want 40 at $40 for our 40th! |
 |
| by Tracy Teuscher, Director of Membership and Sponsorship Committee Chair, tracy@thebuzzmaker.com
A BIG thank you goes out to all of our current Akron PRSA Sponsors! • KSU School of Journalism & Mass Communication – Platinum Sponsor • Knox Marketing – Platinum Sponsor • Summa Health System – Gold Sponsor
Current Bronze Level “Club 40” SponsorsWe now have 17 Club 40 Sponsors and ar...[more] |
| |
| Bill Balderaz Presentation |
 |
| By popular request, you can now watch Bill Balderaz's presentation from April Professional Development seminar. Just click here....[more] |
| |
| We are now LIVE on Facebook! |
 |
| by Gretchen Fri, APRVice President, gretchen.fri@infocision.com
As the Akron Area PRSA Chapter kicks off our 40th anniversary, what better way to spread the word about our growing chapter than to get with the times and launch our chapter Facebook page.
This versatile, interactive site compliments our chapter website and allows us to post pictures and videos from our monthly events,...[more] |
| |
| 2009 APR Accreditation Process Announced |
 |
| Have you been waiting to become an APR? Do you want to know what APR means? Then click here to find out all about APR and what it means for you....[more] |
| |
| A Sneak Peek at 2009! |
 |
| Happy 40th Anniversary Akron Area PRSA! In recognition of the chapter’s ruby anniversary, the board has lined up an exciting schedule of professional development opportunities for 2009! Be sure to visit our this Web site for further details and registration information.
January: Goodyear’s Senior VP to discuss "How to Develop A Communication Strategy That Moves People"
February: L...[more] |
| |
| Take Advantage of the PRSA JobCenter! |
 |
| The PRSA Public Relations and Communications JobCenter is the most targeted community of public relations and communications professionals. The JobCenter has recently been updated to help better serve users through added features, ease of use, industry related content, special discounted prices and much more.
If you're looking for a job, or if you're an employer looking to post a...[more] |
| |