PRestige December 2016
2017 FPRA Annual Conference Theme and Logo Announced

The opening speaker and Dillin Keynote speakers were revealed.
Opening: Ann Rhoades – The 2017 FPRA Annual Conference will not only be advantageous for PR pros, we are encouraging you to bring your HR counterparts! Ann Rhoades is the architect of the Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Corporate cultures, among a few of her accomplishments. Ann’s book Built On Values is a playbook for organizations looking to ensure the living brand –team members– represents the values shared in annual reports and etched on boardroom walls. Internal communications and human resources must work proactively to develop, communicate and describe behaviors that align with those values.
Dillin Keynote: Mary Lunghi – As the Director of Business Analytics And Consumer Insights for IKEA, Mary is a senior member of marketing management team responsible for strategic planning, market research and analytics. As a global company, IKEA learned the need to truly know customers in new markets to ensure success.
2017 FPRA Conference Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship and exhibitor packages are now available for the 2017 FPRA Annual Conference. To view the sponsorship packages, click 2017-fpra-annual-conference-sponsorship-packet
Registration is open for conference!
We get points for members who register by Dec. 31. Register now at http://www.fprastore.org/c-2-events.aspx!
PResident's Perspective
Last month was our very first State Association meeting for this chapter year and what a pleasure it was to be able to host such a dynamic group of professionals to the Ocala area. I think everyone who attended the reception hosted by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association, Florida Equine Communications and Fresh Green Tomato catering was blown away by the hospitality our chapter presented. Of course, it never hurts when the reception host can have the State Association Executive Committee’s picture on the cover of a daily equine publication. I need to give a big shout out to Ginger Broslat, APR, CPRC & Elaine McClain for all their efforts to make the reception happen. It was truly fabulous! Since the Ocala chapter will be hosting the next two quarterly meetings, I am hoping we have another opportunity to show the state association some additional places in Ocala that make it so beautiful.
While attending the quarterly meeting, I was given some great information that I would like to pass along to each of you.
- Take advantage of the FPRA Webinar Series each month. The full schedule of topics is highlighted on the state website. There is something for everyone and this is a new member benefit. This time last year, each webinar would have cost you $25. Now, each one is FREE for you as a member.
- Calling all CPRC’s! Don’t forget to register for the 2017 CN Winter Symposium that will be held in Tampa on January 12- 14th, 2017. This 2 day event offers dynamic programming and more intimate networking opportunities for those with CPRC credentials.
- It is never too soon to plan for Annual Conference. This year’s theme is “PR: It’s Personal Research Relate · Respond should remind us of the core definition of PR: is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Room reservations at The Ritz Grande Lake are open now at the discounted $139 for FPRA members. Don’t let the rooms fill up! Make your reservation today!
This month we are hoping to relax and unwind with our FPRA holiday social. I hope you all will join me in celebrating the season and also helping those less fortunate by bringing a non-perishable food item to the event. So mark your calendars for Monday, December 12th from 6-8pm at Mesa de Notte.
In the spirit of the holiday season, I wish you and your family a Christmas & New Year filled with joy and peace.
State Association Meeting
County Commissioner Michelle Stone and State Representative Charlie Stone were on hand for the welcome as well.
Holiday Social
Mission Membership
The time between Thanksgiving and the new year can be such a hectic time for all of us, both personally and professionally, but don’t let your crazy schedule keep you from spreading the word about the benefits of FPRA membership! Why not invite a colleague or co-worker to our December social, Monday, December 12, 6-8 p.m. at Mesa de Notte! It’s sure to be a fun time and a nice, non-threatening atmosphere for guests to get to know our members!
(Don’t forget to RSVP at FPRAOcala.org).
#myFPRA
Each month we will be featuring stories from our members about what FPRA means to them.
This month, Elaine McClain shares her #myFPRA story.
If I’m being honest, I’ll tell you I was a little intimidated when I first joined and regularly participated in FPRA. The chapter members were all experts – experienced, successful and well-known in the community and throughout the state. Shelves in their offices groaned from the weight of coveted glass pyramids signifying excellence in public relations practices, as did the three- and four-letter designations following their names. So when I attended my first Local Image workshop years ago (coaxed by my boss at the time), I gathered my notebook, pen and rough ideas for an entry, and took my seat at the edge of the room. I expected to be one of the few newbies learning from the panel of experts and their vast winning experience. And that’s partially what occurred. But alongside me sat some longtime seasoned members. They asked questions, too. “What category would this campaign fit in best?” “I have this great project, but it’s really tough to measure.” “Am I adequately showing how my objectives were met?” Even the panel members threw out entry ideas for feedback. It was a warm, friendly, learning and brainstorming experience. Old and new members alike shared helpful critique. Everyone genuinely cared and wanted to see fellow chapter members succeed. They weren’t afraid to ask for advice and were more than willing to share their experience. And the same is true beyond the walls of that Local Image workshop.
It’s true when they say that FPRA is like having your own knowledge network of professionals who are all on your team. We’re all striving to provide strategic, ethical communications for our agencies. And what better way to get to know your team than to work together on FPRA committees and boards, learn together at monthly professional development sessions and even play together (shout out for the holiday social on Dec. 12). I haven’t stopped learning since I joined and am truly grateful for every opportunity to work with and learn from new and experienced members alike. Don’t just attend meetings – get involved, no matter how new to the chapter or to the profession you are! You’ll benefit and grow both professionally and personally. From this one-time newbie – that’s #myFPRA promise!
If you would like to have your FPRA story featured in the newsletter and online, please email lauren.debick@hcahealthcare.com
Holiday Open House at Edible Arrangements, Friday, December 2, 4:00-7:00 pm

FPRA webinars are FREE for members!

Video content is proven to increase website traffic, conversions, sales and donations. In the next year ahead, it is predicted that more than 70 percent of all web content will shift to video.
Social media channels like Facebook are prioritizing video over text and photographs, which is just one of the many reasons why PR professionals must not only be great writers but also proficient in video production. Learn how to create professional quality video on a shoestring budget by pairing your smartphone with the right tools and accessories to create compelling and affordable brand video libraries.
About Heather: Heather Grzelka, APR, enjoys nearly 20 years of experience advancing social causes by generating positive media attention that influences policymakers and increases donor support. Before founding Madeira Public Relations, Heather spent the first decade of her career successfully navigating the Washington, D.C. political arena on behalf of numerous nationally recognized nonprofit organizations. Heather is the immediate past president of the Florida Public Relations Association, Tampa Bay Chapter, and now sits on the state executive committee serving in the role of Vice President of Research and Planning.
Register now for Digital Video 101.
FPRA members: After you register, we will verify your membership and mark you as paid. Please note that you will receive an automated email asking for payment. Please disregard it as all webinars are now FREE for FPRA members
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