FPRA Ocala Chapter

Golden Image Awards Gala
2022-08-09 | FL
Recognized as the hallmark for excellence in public relations, winners of this prestigious competition demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.
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.
Submissions for FPRA’s Golden Image program are accepted every spring with the judging process taking place in June. Stay tuned for this year’s call for entries coming soon.
For more information on categories, judging criteria and past winners, visit FPRA Golden Image.

FPRA Annual Conference
2022-08-07 - 2022-08-10 | FL
FPRA’s 83rd Annual Conference is your passport for professional development. Get your ticket to success today and register for the PR professional development event of the year!
This year’s speaker lineup has been curated to ensure your professional growth acceleration so that you are better prepared to manage today’s and tomorrow’s communications challenges. The early bird rate ends on July 11, 2022.
Don’t forget to make your room reservations at this year’s conference host property – The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. FPRA conference attendees have access to deeply discounted room rates, but rooms will sell out quickly. Reserve yours today!

End-of-Chapter-Year Party
2022-07-30 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Did you know Ocala has its own time machine? Sure does! You can go back to the 1980s with us at Skate A Way South this Saturday, July 30, 2-4 p.m., as we celebrate the upcoming end of the chapter year. Families and children are welcome.
Join us!

What: This is how we roll end-of-the-chapter-year party
When: Saturday, July 30
Where: Skate A Way South, 2008 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
Time: 2-4 p.m.
RSVP: Send Beverly Brown an email at beverly.brown@taylorcollege.edu, so we can be on the lookout for you. Come on out even if you don’t plan to don those tan skates with brown leather laces and orange wheels.

Entrance, skate rentals and food costs are on your own.

July Professional Development Meeting
2022-07-14 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
Speed Rounds
Thursday, July 14 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida Ocala Campus on Thursday, July 14, from noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:30 a.m.
Join us Thursday, July 14 at Noon for a sizzling session of rotating speed rounds featuring:

Research? Who has time for that? (Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC)
Heads Up: Here’s Your Headshot (Danielle Veenstra, Ocala photographer)
Video Vibes: Tips & Tricks to Make Yours Even Better (Jeff Dillon, Dillon Video Productions)

Our experts will lead 15-minute speed rounds to rumble up your research, highlight your headshot, and invigorate your video production skills. You’ll even take home a fresh headshot in the process.
Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC, serves as an elected member of the Marion County School Board and owns her own PR business. With research experience including the non-profit, communications, and private healthcare industries, she can help determine home runs for measurable research. She’s also a doctoral candidate with heavy emphasis in communications research.

Danielle Veenstra works as the digital marketing manager for CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and is a freelance photographer in the Ocala area.

Jeff Dillon owns his own video production company that’s operated in Ocala for 37 years. A former TV news journalist, Jeff makes his mark now with award-winning videos for marketing and sales promotions, manufacturing, equine, medical, real estate, aerials, travel and tourism, and more.

The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.
As friendly reminders: When RSVPing, pay for your reservation online, accept the calendar invite and send hospitality chair Jen Pagh an email at jen@liquidcreativestudio.com. If you RSVP and cannot attend unexpectedly, we’re not able to provide reimbursements because the chapter is charged for the headcount provided a week before the meeting. As an alternative, you may send a designee.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

June Professional Development Meeting
2022-06-16 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
Speaking Out and Shutting Down: How Florida Regulates Social Media and Political Speech
Thursday, June 16 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida Ocala Campus on Thursday, June 16, from noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:30 a.m.
Clay Calvert knows a thing or two about social media. In fact, he’s gained vast experience with it given his Juris Doctor degree with Great Distinction from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and a Ph.D. in Communication from Stanford University. This month, he talks to FPRA Ocala about “Speaking Out and Shutting Down: How Florida Regulates Social Media and Political Speech.”
Calvert is a Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication at the University of Florida’s Department of Journalism. He is director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at UF and authored several briefs with the United States Supreme Court.
Last year, he was named UF’s Teacher/Scholar of the Year and became the College of Journalism and Communication’s first member ever to win the most prestigious and oldest faculty award at UF.
A published author many times over, Calvert presented a TEDxUF regarding cameras and cops and contributes regularly to law journals and scholarly publications around the country.

The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.
As friendly reminders: When RSVPing, pay for your reservation online, accept the calendar invite and send hospitality chair Jen Pagh an email at jen@liquidcreativestudio.com. If you RSVP and cannot attend unexpectedly, we’re not able to provide reimbursements because the chapter is charged for the headcount provided a week before the meeting. As an alternative, you may send a designee.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

COMMference
2022-05-20 | FL
Save the date for “COMMference,” a full-day professional development event presented by the FPRA Ocala Chapter. This event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn.

"Get Your Paint On" Social
2022-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 | FL
Attend our Ocala Chapter social, “Get your paint on,” at 2 p.m. at Picasso’s Palette, 106 SW 17th St., in Ocala. RSVP by Friday, May 13, to Beverly Brown at Beverly.Brown@taylorcollege.edu. Picasso’s has many painting options, and the cost ranges depending on what you select.

April Professional Development Meeting
2022-04-22 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
E3 = Experience, Experiments and Excellence
Friday, April 22 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting at the Community Foundation, 324 SE 24th St., in Ocala. on Friday, April 22, from noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:30 a.m.
E3 = Experience, Experiments and Excellence may sound like a science formula more than a Public Relations session, but our April 22 professional development gathering is one you want to attend. From healthcare, human resources, and hospitality to operations, hurricanes, and more, learn how some of our chapter’s most awarded members tackle competition and top-notch PR standards with years under their belts. Discover tip and tricks to help your daily skills and determine how experience in vast areas can benefit your position. We will also glean valuable takeaways from this quartet of professionals when it comes to avoiding certain areas, actions, and mindsets.
Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC, is the state president of FPRA. With years of experience steering internal communications for hundreds of employees at Cox, Devon’s adaptability has catapulted her to the top of the professional world. She’s amassed lots of medals and trophies to prove her PR know-how pays off in multiple ways.

Current Ocala Chapter President Heather Danenhower, APR, CPRC, knows all about awards, especially when it comes to Golden Image. Her insight into the power industry (as part of the Duke Energy team) has landed her in the awards spotlight time after time after time. Her experience as a former television news reporter, political candidate, and public information officer provide insightful perspective on achieving excellence regardless of the venue.

Ryan Gerds, APR, CPRC, is assistant vice president of Support Services at AdventHealth Ocala and has been part of FPRA since 2005. He’s dealt with pretty much everything you can imagine in healthcare including a pandemic, confidential crises, and even a celebrity birth. Ryan’s a former FPRA state president who’s lived in the PR world for 22 years.

Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC, is the sales manager for North Central Florida Media Group, a position she relishes because her radio stations impact hundreds of thousands of listeners. She believes in giving back, as evidenced by her efforts to lead the Ocala FPRA chapter however needed. She’s also an award-winning PR professional with varied perspectives that make her valued as a team member, business owner, and trusted colleague.

The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

Virtual APR Study Session
2022-04-20 20:00 - 21:00, 2022-04-14 20:00 - 21:00, 2022-04-06 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Zoom
Attend a virtual APR study sessions with Lauren Debick, APR. Contact Lauren at lauren.debick@marion.k12.fl.us for more details.

Mid-Florida Image Awards Gala
2022-04-13 17:00 - 20:00 | FL
The totally awesome Mid-Florida Image Awards is April 13 from 5-8 pm at Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala (50 S. Magnolia Ave.) Don’t be a loser by skipping this event. In fact, put on your freshest 1980’s threads! The event will start with noshing on heavy appetizers and chilling with a refreshing adult beverage like beer or wine.
RSVP by April 8th and join us as we recognize excellence in public relations for the FPRA Ocala, Lake, and Volusia/Flagler chapters. BONUS: We will also recognize Individual and Institutional nominees for the Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year award and announce this year’s winners. It’s going to be rad, dude!
RSVP below.
Note: There is no charge to attend for Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Award nominees. If you are a nominee and would like to attend, RSVP by contacting Lisa Varner at lvarner@ncfmgroup.com.

Ticket Options

FPRA Member $35.00 USDNonmember $45.00 USD

Attendee Name

Second Chances Program: Behind the Scenes
2022-03-30 14:00 - 15:30 | FL
Break out your jeans and boots and bring some carrots and apples.
Please join us on Wednesday, March 30, from 2-3:30 p.m., for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Second Chances program at the Lowell Correctional Institution near Ocala.
Through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the Second Chances program partners retired thoroughbreds with women inmates. The women learn lifelong lessons and equine skills – giving them career opportunities once released from prison – and the thoroughbreds get a forever home at the on-site farm.
During the 1.5-hour field trip, FPRA Ocala Chapter president-elect Tammy A. Gantt will provide an overview of her public relations efforts to support the program, and attendees will meet the horses up close.
Special clearance is required to enter the prison grounds and specific directions for entry will be sent along. Please RSVP by March 15 by registering now.
The event is free, and light snacks will be served.
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoors and closed-toe walking shoes.

March Professional Development Meeting
2022-03-25 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
Presidential Perspectives: Why Leadership Matters
Friday, March 25 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
PR professionals work their way through myriads of responsibilities every day. When it comes to leading, though, timid personalities often emerge, diminishing the leadership stream to a trickle.
This month, former FPRA Ocala Chapter Presidents Lauren Deiorio; Toni James, APR, CPRC; and Carole Savage Hagans, APR, CPRC share insight and perspective into steering the ship and manning the helm when it comes to all-things FPRA.
You will discover what lasting leadership is like, what it takes, and how the process grows you personally, professionally, and individually. Learn why stepping up and out opens doors, creates new opportunities and propels your confidence to higher levels.
Leadership is not for everyone. Is it for you? Join us to learn more.

The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting in-person at the Community Foundation building (in the training room), 324 SE 24th St., Ocala.
Note the change in meeting location. Unfortunately, the College of Central Florida was not available on this date. We also changed the date of the meeting to the fourth Friday of the month because of spring break. We appreciate your flexibility.
The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.
This professional development meeting will be catered by Mojo’s Bar and Grill.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month.
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

Deadline to Submit Image Award Entries
2022-02-27 | FL
Planning on submitting to the Mid-Florida Image Awards? Make sure you get your entries in by midnight on Feb. 27!

Virtual APR Study Session 3
2022-02-22 | FL
Attend February’s virtual APR study sessions with Lauren Debick, APR. Contact Lauren at lauren.debick@marion.k12.fl.us for more details.

February Professional Development Meeting
2022-02-18 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
World Equestrian Center Ocala: Meeting the Needs of an International Audience at the Local Level
Friday, Feb. 18 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting in-person at the Community Foundation building (in the training room), 324 SE 24th St., Ocala. (Note the change in meeting location. Unfortunately, the College of Central Florida was not available on this date.)
Rodney Gutierrez, CMP, is the director of sales for the World Equestrian Center Ocala. Rodney will share how Ocala’s newest destination meets the needs of diverse audiences coming to its location – be it for an international horse show, country music concert, exotic sports car showcase, marching band competition, Christmas with lights galore, and more. The World Equestrian Center Ocala already boasts high-class accommodations, climate-controlled arenas, expo centers, and more. And they’re planning even bigger growth in the future. Learn why meeting audience need leads to more opportunities for every aspect of WEC.
The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month.
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

Image Awards Workshop 2
2022-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 | FL
Attend the second of two Mid-Florida Image Awards workshops via Teams. Click on this Teams link to join the workshop or contact Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC, at lvarner@ncfmgroup.com for more details.

Virtual APR Study Session 2
2022-02-15 | FL

Virtual APR Study Session
2022-02-08 | FL

Image Awards Workshop
2022-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | FL
Attend the first of two Mid-Florida Image Awards workshops via Teams. Click on this Teams link to join the workshop or contact Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC, at lvarner@ncfmgroup.com for more details.

January Professional Development Meeting
2022-01-21 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
Starting Yourself from the Ground Up: The Story of Symmetry and the PR Brew
Friday, Jan. 21 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting in-person at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, in Ocala on Friday, Jan. 21, from noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:30 a.m. A virtual option is not available.
Michael Mills is an Ocala native who graduated from Vanguard High School, entered the military, and planned to pursue a basketball career. When an injury sidelined him, he refocused, returned to Ocala with his family, and rebounded with a job in medical marketing. Now he owns and operates a highly successful coffee business with big plans to go nationwide.
His story is one of dedication, innovation, creativity and bold action. Mike’s insight and fresh mindset focus on face-to-face interaction and personal relationships. And there’s plenty of public relations and homemade pastries in the mix, too!
The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Please RSVP below.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April either virually or at the College of Central Florida – Ewers Century Center, 3003 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month at the same location (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

Merry Mixer at Elevation 89
2021-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
Wear your ugly sweater, reindeer headbands and Santa hats and spread holiday cheer during our Merry Mixer.

When: Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Elevation 89 at the Ocala Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 800
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers and includes heavy appetizers and one drink. Fill out the form below to reserve your spot.
The reservation deadline is Monday, Dec. 13.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

November Professional Development Meeting
2021-11-19 11:30 - 13:00 | FL
A candid look at COVID communications from the lens of those in the trenches
Friday, Nov. 19 | 11:30 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting in-person at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 19, from noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:30 a.m. A virtual option is not available.
How do you share information with the public during a pandemic when the rules change day by day? What do you face when dealing with life-saving information in the midst of medical mysteries? How do you maintain control and provide accurate, timely information important to the masses when the world is going crazy?
Gain insight into these questions – and ask your own questions – during this panel presentation, as a trio of experts guide us through how they continue to manage the crisis.

The panelists include:
Lauren Debick, APR, is the community engagement director for Marion County Public Schools, and she served as the marketing and public relations director for a major healthcare system in Marion County.
Lauren is passionate about community involvement through her service in professional organizations and volunteering. She is currently a board member for United Way of Marion County and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida – and serves on the Marion County Litter Task Force. She also currently serves as the accreditation and professional development seminar chair for the Ocala Chapter, and she was president of the chapter in 2018.
She earned her undergraduate degree in communication arts at Gannon University in Erie, Penn., and her master’s degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Denver in 2017. Lauren is also a certified life coach and the creator and host of the Graceful Confidence podcast.

Ashley Jeffrey, senior manager of media communications for AdventHealth West Florida Division, manages strategic communications for the health system’s 11 hospitals. This includes two of the largest in the AdventHealth network, AdventHealth Ocala and the flagship hospital, AdventHealth Tampa. She managed local, state and national news for AdventHealth during the pandemic and supported internal communications needs.
Ashley previously served as communications and marketing manager for Hillsborough Community College and has more than a decade of experience as a reporter for WRDW/CBS in Augusta, Ga., and Spectrum Bay News 9 in Tampa.
She has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina.

Christy Jergens, APR, is the community health director for the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. She oversees the department’s dental, health education, mobile health unit and school health programs, Marion’s Overdose Data to Action grant and the department’s age-friendly public health system efforts. She previously served as public information officer and led the department’s communication efforts on the COVID-19 pandemic. Jergens has more than 15 years of public sector experience and has worked in county and state government. Throughout her career, she has sought to strategically help organizations make positive change in the community and improve the day-to-day lives of county residents.
Jergens received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree with a major in public relations and a minor in Spanish from Ohio University. She is currently working on completing a master’s degree in healthcare administration through the University of West Florida.

The cost to attend the in-person meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. The reservation deadline is Monday, Nov. 15. Please RSVP below.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $25.00 USDFPRA Member $20.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $15.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April either virually or at the College of Central Florida – Ewers Century Center, 3003 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month at the same location (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.

Fall Study Session 4 for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
2021-11-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Online, Zoom
Join the Ocala Chapter of FPRA on Thursday, Nov. 4, for the fourth and final APR study session. The APR credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. In these sessions we will cover the APR process, preparing for your panel presentation, what to know for the computer-based exam, and more!
The sessions will be held on the following dates from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. via Zoom:

Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11

Register by emailing chapter Accreditation Chair, Lauren Debick, APR at Lauren.Debick@marion.k12.fl.us

Fall Study Session 3 for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
2021-11-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Online, Zoom
Join the Ocala Chapter of FPRA on Thursday, Nov. 4, for the third of four APR study sessions. The APR credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. In these sessions we will cover the APR process, preparing for your panel presentation, what to know for the computer-based exam, and more!
The sessions will be held on the following dates from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. via Zoom:

Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11

Register by emailing chapter Accreditation Chair, Lauren Debick, APR at Lauren.Debick@marion.k12.fl.us

Fall Study Session 2 for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
2021-10-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Online, Zoom
Join the Ocala Chapter of FPRA on Thursday, Oct. 28, for the second of four APR study sessions. The APR credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. In these sessions we will cover the APR process, preparing for your panel presentation, what to know for the computer-based exam, and more!
The sessions will be held on the following dates from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. via Zoom:

Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11

Register by emailing chapter Accreditation Chair, Lauren Debick, APR at Lauren.Debick@marion.k12.fl.us

ACES Gathering
2021-10-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Online, Zoom
Do you have more than 10 years of public relations experience or your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential? Join the Advanced Communicators Enhancement Session (ACES) on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. for a conversation about current affairs related to the PR profession. RSVP to Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC, at lvarner@ncfmgroup.com.

Fall Study Session for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
2021-10-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Online, Zoom
The Ocala Chapter of FPRA will be offering a four-week APR study session that will be held virtually beginning Thursday, Oct. 21. The APR credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. In these sessions we will cover the APR process, preparing for your panel presentation, what to know for the computer-based exam, and more!
The sessions will be held on the following dates from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. via Zoom:

Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11

Register by emailing chapter Accreditation Chair, Lauren Debick, APR at Lauren.Debick@marion.k12.fl.us

October Professional Development Meeting
2021-10-15 11:45 - 13:00 | FL
“Why It’s Okay to Fail”
Friday, Oct. 15 | 11:45 a.m. Networking | noon – 1 p.m. Presentation
The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting virtually via Zoom on Friday, Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m., with networking starting at 11:45 a.m.
This month’s speaker is Tim Walsh. Fearless leader, game inventor, filmmaker and founder of The Playmakers, Walsh believes if you work hard you should play hard. Through his observations and direct experiences, you’ll discover how the WHAM-O Toy Company survives to this day despite failure after failure. Learn how the massive responsibilities of today’s COVID-19 world and Public Relations sometimes result in failure that improves your life, your workplace, and your worth. Walsh will share even more creative and imaginative ways of succeeding, even when you miss the mark. He has presented at FPRA’s Annual Conference and is highly regarded for his entertaining approach to success.
Walsh was born to seize the play, arriving early Christmas morning in 1964 because, as he put it, “I heard all the fun my four siblings were having with their new toys and wanted in on the action. I dreamed from a young age of playing for a living.” He attended Colgate University, with a major in biology and minors in art and art history. Walsh invented the game TriBond together with classmates Dave Yearick, and Ed Muccini in 1990. He invented Blurt! in 1994. The author of “WHAM-O Super Book,” “Timeless Toys,” and “Right Brain Red: 7 ideas for creative success.” Walsh has also produced the movies “Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story” and” Operation: The Power Of Play.”
The cost to attend the virtual meeting is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 13. Please RSVP below.

Payment options

Non-FPRA Member $15.00 USDFPRA Member $10.00 USDStudent FPRA Member $10.00 USD

Name of attendee

About the Monthly Program
The FPRA Ocala Chapter’s monthly professional development meeting that includes lunch is held on the third Friday of each month from August through April either virually or at the College of Central Florida – Ewers Century Center, 3003 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. From May through July, the chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month at the same location (due to the College of Central Florida’s summer schedule).
Networking takes place from 11:30-11:55 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon. RSVPs cannot be guaranteed without payment.
If you have already prepaid annually or quarterly for the professional development meetings, RSVP by emailing Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org to reserve your seat.
To prepay online and save time when checking in at the meeting, RSVP by using your PayPal account or credit card to pay for your seat.
