Professional Development – Page 4

Deadlines for Mid-Florida Local Image and Communicator of the Year Awards Competition are March 13 and March 21; Enter Today!

March 4, 2015

Deadlines for entries and nominations toward the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Ocala Chapter’s 2015 Mid-Florida Local Image and Communicator of the Year Awards competition are fast approaching.

Professionals and organizations seeking recognition for their public relations programs must submit their Image Awards entries by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The Image Awards competition recognizes outstanding public relations programs, while encouraging and promoting the development of public relations professionals. Winners demonstrate the best examples of PR innovation, planning and design. A standard of public relations excellence in theState of Florida, the Image Awards competition is open to the public. Public relations-related projects conducted between January 2014 and March 2015 are eligible for entry.

Citizens and businesses interested in nominating an outstanding communicator for the individual or institutional categories of the Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards may submit their entries by 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards – Individual recognizes the person who uses his/her position to enhance Marion County’s community causes, advance the field of public relations and uphold the ethical standards representing theOcala Chapter. The Institutional recognition honors the institution, business or media outlet that has gone above and beyond to provide timely, accurate and critical information to the community, and has demonstrated mastery of communications skills and strategies.

Guidelines and entry rules for the Image competition are available on the FPRA Ocala Chapter website: http://www.fpraocala.org. The entry fee is $45 for FPRA members and $55 for non-members. Communicator of the Year nominations are also available online at www.fpraocala.org. There is no cost to submit a nomination. For any questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

The Ocala Chapter’s 2015 competition theme, The Art of Public Relations, will additionally showcase the talented and creative art community in Ocala/Marion. Award recipients will be honored by the FPRA Ocala Chapter Friday, April 24 at the awards gala presented by our community partner, the Appleton Museum of Art.

THREE OCALA FPRA MEMBERS EARN ADVANCED CREDENTIALS

February 26, 2015

OCALA, FL – The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association congratulates three members — Laura Byrnes, Allison Campbell and Lisa Varner — on becoming Certified Public Relations Counselors (CPRC).

Obtaining the CPRC credential is an extensive process, which requires candidates to pass written and oral exams that test their ability to present strategic solutions for accomplishing public relations goals, implementing crisis communication plans and solving public relations issues. Moreover, this advanced credential is not available to just anyone. Candidates must have their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), which demonstrates a high level ofcompetence and dedication to the field, and at least 10 years of industry experience.

Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC; Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC; and Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC now stand among fewer than 100 public relations professionals in the state of Florida who have achieved this high-level certification.

FPRA created the CPRC certification program to recognize the professional growth and achievement of its senior members. When it comes to providing excellent, strategic public relations, employers can be confident in the capabilities of employees who carry the CPRC designation.

76th Annual Conference Speaker Twitter Handles

July 25, 2014

From FPRA Blog – FPRA’s VP of Chapter Services Danny Kushmer has compiled a list of Twitter handles for our 76th Annual Conference speakers. Many thanks to Danny for his efforts and his permission to re-post here.

FPRA has created an incredible line-up of speakers for it’s 76th Annual State Conference scheduled for August 10th thru August 13th in Orlando. Below is a quick reference (not all Twitter handles were obtained) guide to the speakers and their Twitter handles. If you want to learn more about public relations I would encourage you to follow these exceptional leaders in the industry.

@ReneeW – Renee Wilson, MSL GROUP
@SarahRobinson – Sarah Robinson, Fierce Loyalty
@thePRguy – Nate Long, Nate Long Marketing
@tomschroderUOR – Tom Schroder, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal
@AlysonUOR – Alyson Lundell, Universal Orlando Resort
@joelbook – Joel Book, ExactTarget, Inc.
@LaurenSaver – Lauren Saver, Headlines Consulting, LLC.
@activate – Jim Delaney, Marketwired
@PRpro12 – Susan Vernon-Devlin, Massey Communications
@danfarkas – Dan Farkas, E.W.. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio
@griner – David Griner, Adweek
@prtini – Heather Whaling, Geben Communication
@dbreakenridge – Deirdre Breakenridge, Pure Performance Comm.
@shonali – Shonali Burke, Shonali Burke Consulting, Inc.
@AdamSinger – Adam Singer, Google Analytics
@jennymunn – Jenny Munn, SEO Consultant
@kamichat – Kami Watson Huyse, APR, Zoetica
@mluubben – Michelle Ubben, Partner, Sachs Media Group
@Fuse5 – Doug Williams, Fuse 5
@ShirleyMPowell – Shirley Powell, The Weather Channel
@SteveMcKee – Steve McKee, President McKee Wallwork & Company

Of course, you’ll want to follow the Florida Public Relations Association @FPRA. And please follow me @DannyKushmer.

While at conference, hashtag your posts #ThinkFPRA. Stop by and see me at the In-coming Chapter Leadership Forum on Sunday, August 10th.

Danny Kushmer

FPRA Ocala Chapter honors communicators of the year

July 21, 2014

The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) has named its 2014 Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year award winners, recognizing local professionals for their outstanding communication with respective audiences and for their furthering of the public relations profession.
Laura Byrnes, APR, communications manager with Career Source, Citrus Levy Marion was honored in the individual category for her ability to develop and direct communication strategies that promote economic stability and career development throughout an extremely diverse three-county region. Most recently, Byrnes guided a regional rebranding initiative for Career Source, and assisted with the broader, statewide effort, earning her organization recognition from the Governor’s Office. Nominees in the individual category also included Kelli Fuqua Hart with Ocala Magazine and Elaine McClain, Marion County Office of Public Information.
Hospice of Marion County was awarded communicator of the year in the Institutional/Media category for its role in promoting two community-wide initiatives: National Healthcare Decisions Day and End Alzheimer’s Campaign. Through a series of highly effective public relations efforts, Hospice of Marion County succeeded in securing a strong voice as a fully engaged partner in end-of-life transitions for the community. Nominees for the Institution/Media category also included Marion County Office of Public Information.
Established in 2005, the Florida Public Relations Association/Ocala Chapter’s Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards recognize individuals and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in strategic communications to improve the quality of life in Marion County. The Ocala Chapter’s awards are named after local Wilton F. Martin for the role he played 75 years ago with the group of men supporting Lt. Col. John Dillin in establishing the statewide public relations group now known as FPRA. Nominees do not have to be members of FPRA, but must exemplify the highest professional standards in the communications field. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. FPRA is comprised of 15 professional and 10 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and recognition opportunities.

FPRA Ocala Chapter hosts internationally-renowned expert on media law and First Amendment at June meeting

June 9, 2014

OCALA, FL – From Facebook and Twitter to YouTube and more, posting, reposting, Tweeting and re-Tweeting are abundant – but are they legal? And what penalties do you face if you’re caught violating copyright law online?

Professor Sandra F. Chance, J.D., media law professor with the Department of Journalism at University of Florida, reviews the essentials of copyright and its impact on social media as guest speaker at the Florida Public Relations Association Ocala Chapter monthly professional development luncheon on Friday, June 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ocala Conference Center – Holiday Inn & Suites located at 3600 SW 38th Ave. in Ocala.

In addition to teaching media law at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Chance is the executive director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information. A faculty member since 1993, Chance has taught close to 6,000 students. Chance is the campus coordinator for the Liberty Tree Initiative, a program which promotes First Amendment education on campuses across the country. She is also on the board of directors of the First Amendment Foundation and is active in the National Freedom of Information Coalition. She is the Sunshine Chair for the Society of Professional Journalists and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Communications Law Forum, IRE, and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

Chance graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s College of Law in 1990 and was named to the Order of the Coif. Chance received both her B.S in Journalism with high honors and M.A. in Journalism and Communications with Distinction from UF. A member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, the Florida Bar and admitted to practice before the federal courts in Florida, Chance is a past president of the Gainesville chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. She has served as a director of the Florida Magazine Association and was active in the Florida Press Association. Guests are welcome to attend the seminar and luncheon and can register by visiting www.fpraocala.org/events.html. The cost is $20 for members who RSVP by noon on Tues., June 17 and $25 for guests.

Challenges of fundraising explored at upcoming FPRA Ocala Chapter meeting

July 26, 2021May 8, 2014

Public to Private: Fundraising from the Inside Out

Planning a successful fundraiser always takes into account risks or challenges that could prevent reaching goals. Expert Beth McCall, consultant with Pride Philanthropy, will address this and more as guest speaker at the Florida Public Relations Association Ocala Chapter monthly professional development luncheon on Friday, May 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ocala Conference Center – Holiday Inn & Suites located at 3600 SW 38th Ave. in Ocala.

McCall will present “From Public to Private: Fundraising from the Inside Out.” After 13 years as an executive director to two charitable organizations, McCall opened a fundraising consulting business. She will discuss the steps taken towards that decision and the transition into her new venture including the logistics, the emotional capital and risk, and the reward of using her talents to help others learn the business of fundraising.

McCall became the Executive Director of the Munroe Foundation in October of 2005, and remained there until September 2013. During her tenure as the Executive Director, the Foundation raised over seven million dollars for Munroe Regional Medical Center for numerous projects. During her tenure at Munroe, McCall earned her Certified Fundraising Executive certification.

Prior to working at Munroe, McCall was executive director of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County from 1999 to 2005. In October of 2013, she established her own fundraising consulting business, Beth McCall, LLC. She works with Pride Philanthropy out of Atlanta, GA, Hospice of Marion County, ARC Marion Foundation, Live Oak International and the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion.

McCall received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1973 and her master’s degree in business management and leadership in 2003.

Guests are welcome to attend the seminar and luncheon and can register by visiting www.fpraocala.org/events.html. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. For additional information, contact Pamela Calero at [email protected].

Local public relations awards showcase outstanding work

July 26, 2021May 5, 2014

OCALA, Fla. – The Florida Public Relations Association Ocala Chapter recognized public relations professionals for achieving industry excellence at the recent Mid-Florida Local Image Awards gala.

As determined by a third-party panel of judges, the winners represent the very best examples of public relations innovation, planning, implementation and design. Winners and gala attendees represented several area organizations, including CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, Duke Energy, Hospice of Marion County, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Office of Public Information, Southwest Florida Water Management District and United Way of Marion County.

This year’s awards theme, ReciPe for Results, emphasized the importance of a planning process for any successful public relations campaign. Like a recipe, the public relations process is precise, and it specifies steps: research/situational analysis, objectives, implementation, evaluation and budget. The event was held at Community Technical & Adult Education (CTAE), Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts School, where honorees and guests dined on cuisine prepared by CTAE Chef James Kennedy and his students.

The Mid-Florida Local Image Awards honor outstanding public relations programs, printed tools of public relations and audio, visual and online tools of public relations. Entries must meet strict criteria and undergo tough scrutiny by a third-party panel of judges. Judges must have their Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential and have won an Image Award in the past. Many are also Certified Public Relations Counselors.

Three of this year’s entries met the highest standards of public relations excellence and were bestowed a Grand All Image award (Public Relations Programs division) or Grand Image awards (Printed Tools of Public Relations and Audio/Visual/Online Tools of Public Relations):

Heather Danenhower, APR; Duke Energy Corporate Communications; and the Crystal River Nuclear Plant won a Grand All Image Award for their employee communications plan associated with the announcement to retire the Crystal River Nuclear Plant. The plan focused on informing plant employees of the retirement decision firsthand through face-to-face meetings, email communications and videos. The group additionally received an Image Award for that plan and also received an Image Award for their Crystal River Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Open House event. The event successfully increased awareness of the decommissioning plan and positively influenced how people felt about plant workers and Duke Energy.

Barbara Hernandez, APR; Marion County Office of the County Engineer and the Stormwater Section won a Grand Image award for their 2013 Marion County “Discover Our Water Resources” tabloid, an educational newspaper developed to increase water knowledge and promote water-conserving behaviors among Marion County fourth- and fifth-graders. The group also received an Image Award and Judges’ Award for the publication.

Michele Sager, Allen Yarbrough and Robin Felix won a Grand Image award for the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Springs Instagram Contest, developed to educate and engage the residents of Citrus, Hernando and Marion Counties, home to five major springs systems. The group also received an Image Award for the contest.

Other notable awards included:

Carrieann Adkins, Don Weaver and Robyn Felix received an Image Award for the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Springs Website, which positions the district as the leading scientific agency that understands springs and takes action to restore them.

Laura Byrnes, APR, and CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion were honored with an Award of Distinction for their website redesign, which resulted in a more cohesive and clearer information tool that better communicated the nonprofit’s programs and increased engagement.

Jessica Greene Fuchs and Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) Partners received an Award of Distinction for the “Prepare. Protect. Prevent. Water Safety Campaign.” Partnering with local agencies, MCFR raised awareness about water safety and raised funds to purchase swimming lesson packages for local families.

Lila Ivy and Lisa Varner, APR, were honored with an Award of Distinction for their Hospice of Marion County’s Flowers for Alzheimer’ Fundraiser, an awareness-raising effort to support an end to Alzheimer’s disease.

Teresa Martyny and United Way of Marion County received an Award of Distinction for their 2-1-1 Blog to help community members become more aware of the wide range of services available to them locally and nationally.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Monique Yeager, vice president of marketing at Tijuana Flats’, shared her company’s ReciPe for Results on winning marketing strategies in the highly competitive fast casual restaurant industry. Attendees received valuable insight into how Tijuana Flats fosters its unique approach to employee relations, customer communication and brand management.

Sponsors for the ReciPe for Results 2014 Mid-Florida Local Image Awards included: Frankel Media Group, $1,000 in-kind contribution for design services; Community Technical & Adult Education, $250 in-kind contribution for the event venue; Diana Scott, $250 in-kind contribution for photography; Webster University, $250 cash; and Duke Energy, $250 cash.

FPRA is comprised of 15 professional and 10 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities.

The Ocala FPRA Chapter, www.fpraocala.org, was established in 1980. Members and
guests meet the third Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Ocala.