Special Events

FPRA Ocala Chapter Awarded Communicator of the Year, PACEsetter, and More

Media Contact:
Danielle Veenstra
VP of Communications
M: 352.817.4327
[email protected]

 

Ocala, FL (SEPT. 9, 2024) – The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Ocala Chapter held its Annual Awards Banquet and Gala on Friday, August 30, at the Appleton Museum of Art. The elegant event celebrated the achievements of communication professionals and recognized the contributions of chapter members and community leaders.

Set against the backdrop of the museum’s renowned collections, guests enjoyed a sophisticated evening featuring fine dining and desserts amid twinkling lights and exquisite art. Attendees donned glamorous attire, from glittering gowns to velvet tuxedos, enhancing the night’s ambiance.

The second half of the evening saw the installation of the 2024-2025 board of directors by former FPRA State President Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC. A significant moment was the unveiling of the Beverly Brown, APR Legacy Scholarship fund, which honors the memory of a beloved chapter member and supports future public relations professionals in the Ocala area.

Awards Recognitions:

  • FPRA Ocala Individual Communicator of the Year Award: Tammy Gantt from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owner’s Association was recognized for the work she completed for the protection and advocacy of horse farms in Marion County. Her work advanced the field of public relations and upheld ethical standards critical to the communications industry.
  • FPRA Ocala Institutional Communicator of the Year Award: 352Today received the COTY award for its ability to provide timely, accurate, and critical information to the community, while demonstrating a mastery of communication skills and strategies.
  • FPRA Ocala Chapter Outstanding Member Award: Wendy Williams from the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc., was honored for her exceptional support, mentorship, and advancement of the chapter’s goals.
  • FPRA Ocala Chapter Toni James, APR, CPRC PACEsetter of the Year Award:
    • Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC: Recognized for his dedication to lifelong learning and leadership over two decades. As a mentor and strategist, Christian’s contributions to the public relations field have earned national recognition.
    • Greg Davis: Celebrated for his transformative leadership, commitment to excellence, and ability to balance visionary leadership with genuine care for colleagues and the community.
    • Following his installation as Chapter President, Davis honored Immediate Past-President Lindsay Tozer with the PACEsetter of the Year Award, acknowledging her deep love for FPRA and her involvement at both the chapter and state levels.
  • FPRA Ocala Chapter Lifetime Achievement in Communications Award: Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, received this prestigious award, marking only the fourth time it has been presented. Christian’s unwavering dedication and exemplary service to Marion County Public Schools, as well as his leadership roles in FPRA and other organizations, set a high standard for the profession.

Additional Honors:

  • Joe Curley APR, CPRC Rising Leader Award: Greg Davis was named the statewide 2024 recipient at the FPRA 85th PR & Comms Summit. The award recognizes emerging leaders showing dedication, innovation, and active involvement in organizational activities.
  • FPRA State President’s Awards: Lindsay Tozer was honored with the President’s Award for Furthering the Profession and the President’s Award for Leadership Development, reflecting her significant contributions to advancing public relations and developing leadership within the chapter.
  • FPRA 65th Golden Image Awards:
    • Awards of Distinction: Kristina Donohue, APR (Kimberly’s Cottage) and Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC (COX Communications) received recognition for their outstanding submissions.
    • Pinnacle Award: Tom Hyle and his team at the Southwest Water Management District were honored as the inaugural winners for a government agency.

The FPRA Ocala Chapter extends its heartfelt gratitude to all members, honorees, and nominees who made the event memorable. Special thanks go to our generous Gala sponsors, including Tall Tail Communications LLC, whose support made the evening possible.

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FPRA Ocala Chapter to Host Annual Banquet and Communicator of the Year Awards

Media Contact:
Danielle Veenstra
VP of Communications
M: 352.817.4327
[email protected]

 

Ocala, FL (AUG. 13, 2024) – The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to host its Annual Banquet on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Appleton Museum of Art (4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.).

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the event commencing at 7 p.m. and concluding at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal attire for this elegant evening.

The banquet will feature a keynote address by incoming FPRA State President Julie Frey, APR, CPRC. The evening’s program includes the presentation of several distinguished awards, including the prestigious Communicator of the Year award, recognition of state-level award winners from the PR & Comms Summit, and the induction of the 2024-2025 officers for the Ocala Chapter. The event will also see the ceremonial passing of the gavel from past presidents to the incoming president, Gregory Davis.

Davis, who serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Ocala and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, has been an active FPRA member since 2021. With over 11 years of experience in communications, Davis is well-poised to lead the Ocala Chapter in the coming year.

Dinner will be served to all guests. Tickets are available for $35 and can be purchased online at https://www.fpraocala.org/event/annual-awards-banquet-gala-and-pass-the-gavel/.

FPRA is committed to fostering the development of public relations professionals across Florida through ethical and standardized practices. Founded in 1980, the Ocala Chapter has a long-standing tradition of excellence within the association, which today boasts over 1,000 professional and student members statewide and nationally.

For more information about the event, please contact Danielle Veenstra, VP of Communications, at
352-817-4327 or [email protected].

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Best of Show – End of Year Celebration and Board Installation

Best of Show – End of Year Celebration and Board Installation

 

You’re invited to come celebrate with the FPRA Ocala Chapter (serving Citrus & Marion Counties)!! Join us for the Chapter’s annual end-of-year celebration and board installation lunch program. We’re excited to recognize the dedication of our outgoing board of directors, announce the winners of our annual membership awards: including the Toni James, APR, CPRC PACEsetter award, welcome the chapter’s new leaders for the 2023-2024 year, and our past presidents will “pass the gavel” to the incoming 23-24 chapter president Lindsay Tozer, FCRM!. Plus, incoming FPRA state president, Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, will share her vision for the year ahead. Registration includes a lunch buffet.

 

Our past president’s gavel ceremony with incoming chapter president Lindsay Tozer, FCRM, new officers’ swearing in, and our annual awards presentation.

Registration for the event is $30 per person. 
Menu includes: Tossed Salad, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Teriyaki, Stir Fry Vegetables, Fried Rice, and Varied Fruit Tarts.
If you have questions about this event, please contact our current VP of Membership / Incoming President-Elect Greg Davis at (352) 246-2278

Attendee Name

Golden Image Deadline is May 15th

The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Florida Public Relations Association to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida and to encourage and promote the development of public relations in our state.

The Golden Image Awards have become a standard of excellence in the state of Florida. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design. The awards competition includes four divisions of categories. They are as follows:

  • Division A – Public Relations Programs (13 categories)
  • Division B – Collateral Tools of Public Relations (7 categories)
  • Division C – Digital Tools of Public Relations (9 categories)
  • Division D – Student Projects in Public Relations (6 categories)

Learn more and submit yours here: https://www.fpra.org/recognition/golden-image-awards/

Pre-conference Mixer

Join us at the World Equestrian Center for networking with conference attendees, a brief tour of the WEC, photo opp, and drinks and food (on your own) at the Yellow Pony. Learn more here

Nominate communicators of the year by March 11

The deadline to nominate has been extended to March 23!

As part of the Mid-Florida Image Awards gala on April 13, we will also honor our communicators of the year.  

Since 2005, the Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards have recognized individuals and institutions with demonstrated excellence in strategic communications that improves the quality of life in Marion or Citrus counties.

Nominees do not have to be members of FPRA but must exemplify the highest professional standards in the communications field. Nominees may include businesses, nonprofits, journalists, educators, community/civic leaders and professionals from allied fields, including advertising and marketing.

Submit your nominations here by March 23.

Your generosity inspires: We helped feed 16 Pace Center for Girls families

PACE Center for Girls

PACE Center for GirlsAt our Merry Mixer on Dec. 16, the FPRA Ocala Chapter presented Pace Center for Girls executive director, Carole Savage, APR, CPRC, a check for $820 – exceeding our $500 objective and helping 16 Pace families buy groceries from Publix during the holidays.
 
We hosted the fundraiser as part of the chapter’s community service project and to honor Carole and her John W. Dillin Award, FPRA’s highest honor.

The Pace Center for Girls is a nonprofit organization committed to helping girls and young women have a brighter future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

During the check presentation, Carole said: “While we were at home with our families with too much to eat, some of my Pace girls would have had nothing to eat. The Ocala Chapter’s contribution made a huge difference in the lives of our girls – and helped us meet our fundraising goals. I can’t thank you enough.”  

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