“Mapping Our Success”
Akron-Area Chapter of Public Relations Society of America
Long-Term Akron Chapter Goals (in order of importance)
(revised December 2007)

Operational

• Finance services for members by achieving a positive profit margin for every program.
• Secure two major sponsors for the year ($2,000 each) to make up for unexpected losses in 2007 due to thousands of dollars in delayed billing from 2006 PD event and teleconference services.
• Maintain focus on public relations ethics through Chapter ethics officer who guides ethics programming and provides counsel.
• Secure future of the chapter by continuing to recruit volunteers to spearhead initiatives.
• Institute plan for self-sustaining scholarship fund to ensure chapter’s future viability.

Programming

• Successfully implement a programming calendar that features a variety of events targeted to different segments of the Chapter membership.
• Host six Chapter luncheon meetings featuring topics that are relevant and of interest and the chapter’s target audiences and attract at least 30 attendees to each event.
• Execute one half-day professional development seminar that attracts at least 60 attendees and nets at least $1,000 to provide funding for other chapter services throughout the year.
• Host three teleseminars, offering national programming at no cost and providing more value to our members; attract 15 attendees per event.
• Develop at least one program/activity targeted to PR professionals in the Greater Youngstown and Greater Canton areas

Student Chapters

• Announce and promote the Chapter scholarship in August, with the presentation of the award at a student event in late October or November.
• Launch the e-mentoring program.
• Continue to expand the Chapter’s involvement with students at The University of Akron, Malone College, Walsh University and Mount Union College while maintaining the Chapter’s excellent relationship with Kent State University.

Membership

• Develop a system for consistent, relevant communication to chapter prospects and plan associated recruitment activities.
• Launch a membership campaign for local agencies and businesses that employ public relations professionals.
• Explore ways to inject a membership message into all Chapter communications.
• Invite feedback from the membership regarding the PRSA membership benefits (both local and national) that provide them with the most value
• Introduce incentive program for current Chapter members who recruit new members to the Chapter

Publicity

• Continue improvements to the chapter Web site, including listing the year-long events calendar.
• Use the Chapter blog as an effective PR advocacy and communications tool.
• Support the continued development of the Chapter identity.
• Maintain a monthly e-newsletter with breaks during summer/holiday months (June, July, Dec).
• Expand promotion of PRSA events beyond the Chapter Web site and monthly newsletter.
• Establish collaborations with other organizations to co-promote PRSA programs