Professional Development

Whether your target audience is made up of customers, constituents, donors or other businesses, human behavior plays a role in each of their decisions. Understanding human behavior and using social research can help communicators create effective strategies for reaching those audiences and successfully encouraging specific actions.
On Jan. 15, communications professionals, business owners, marketers and others can learn more about how social research can enhance their campaigns, programs and organizations from Annie Neimand, Ph.D candidate and sociology instructor at the University of Florida at the monthly Florida Public Relations Association Ocala Chapter’s professional development luncheon. The session is set for noon-1 p.m., (networking begins at 11:30 a.m.) at the College of Central Florida Ewers Century Center, 3003 SW College Road, Ocala.
Neimand is the Executive Editor and Research Director for frank – the go-to gathering and website for movement builders and change strategists – housed in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. Through her award-winning dissertation research and her work with frank, Neimand works to provide evidence-based insight on the effective use of strategic communications to drive social change.
The meeting is not limited to members; guests and non-members are welcome to attend with payment and RSVP to Lauren DeIorio by Jan. 12, 2015. The registration fee includes lunch; $20 for members and $25 for guests and for members who pay at the door. Visit the FPRA Ocala Event Registration page to register and pay online.

The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association builds better public relations practitioners and communicators through professional development, networking opportunities and ethical practices. Formed in 1980, the chapter boasts a strong membership representing nearly every industry in the area, including: government, associations, nonprofit, education, healthcare, corporate, retail, agencies and small business. Members are committed not only to the betterment of the profession, but also to the community through a number of community service projects held each year.

At the June 19 Ocala FPRA Chapter Luncheon Chris Gent, APR, CPRA, will present “Become the Master of Your Disaster.”

Senior management and leaders within companies, organizations and governments embroiled in a crisis have learned the hard way what happens when the unthinkable becomes reality. An accident results in death or injury; a failed takeover cause the share price to plummet; a hurricane ravages a community; toxic food, medicines or drinks lead to mass hysteria. Every day, organizations run the risk of being affected. The fact that we live in an age of transparency means that no company or organization is immune to the threat of a possible crisis.

Join us on June 19 as we learn how to limit damage effectively by acting quickly and positively, and communicating efficiently. Learn valuable crisis communication tips to help you become the master of your organization’s disaster.

As vice president of corporate communications for Kissimmee Utility Authority, Chris knows first hand the importance of having a plan in place before the storm hits, and how to create a one that’s effective.

Chris is responsible for the utility’s internal and external corporate communications, including the development and support of the utility’s crisis, disaster and emergency communication response plans.

Whether your organization has a long-standing preparedness plan, or has yet to develop one, you’re sure to glean insight from Chris’ June 19^th presentation. You don’t have to be an FPRA member to attend.

The June meeting begins with networking from 11:30 a.m. – noon at the College of Central Florida’s Ewers Century Center (3001 SW College Road, Ocala). The luncheon and presentation will run from noon – 1 p.

Guests and non-members are welcome to attend with payment and RSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday, June 16.

Cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests and for members who pay at the door. Visit http://www.fpraocala.org/event-registration/ to register and pay online.

The ability to effectively share an agency or business’s key messages with its target audiences plays a crucial role in an organization’s success or failure. Fortunately, the local chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is hosting a half-day seminar on May 6 to help local companies and groups hone in on how to address their needs and bottom lines by updating their approach.

The Ocala chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is hosting a half-day “Toolkit for Success” seminar on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at
the College of Central Florida Ewers Century Center and includes breakfast, three speakers and lunch. Cost to attend is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Interested attendees must register by Friday, April 24.

Featured speakers and topics include University of Central Florida Nicholson School of Communications professor Dr. Timothy Coombs on social media crises, Sara Isaac from SalterMitchell Communication on using behavioral science to drive results and Director ofUniversity of Florida’s Dial Center for Written & Oral Communication Dr. Kellie Roberts on effectively engaging your audience in person.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.fpraocala.org/toolkit-2015/. For questions about the seminar, contact FPRA-Ocala Chapter Professional Development Chair, Tina Banner, APR, CPRC at [email protected].