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Would You Like to Attend Our October Luncheon for Free?

Well, now is your chance!

Throughout the month of September, we will be accepting topic ideas from our Facebook and LinkedIn followers for future Gulf Coast Chapter programs. For example, in the past we have hosted programs with topics such as: “Strategic PR in a Lightspeed Environment,” “Oil Spill in the Gulf – Crisis Communications,” and “Tips for Taking and Submitting Great Photos.”

Once all entries have been received by the deadline of Friday, September 24th, the Gulf Coast Chapter Board of Directors will deliberate and select the ideas that are the best and brightest. The winner(s) will be announced at our September 28th Annual Media Panel at the Hilton Naples, as well as on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. The winner(s) will be awarded complimentary admission to our upcoming October luncheon program.

Are you ready to enter your idea(s)? Following are some simple guidelines:

  1. To submit, post your idea(s) on our Facebook fan page or under the Discussion “Would You Like to Attend Our October Luncheon for Free?” on our LinkedIn group page.
  2. Get creative! Bonus points will be awarded to those who not only submit a program topic idea, but also come up with a catchy title for the program and/or a brief description of the program.
  3. You may submit as many ideas as you’d like until the deadline on Friday, September 24th, 2010. No entries submitted beyond the deadline will be considered.
  4. Please keep in mind that all selected program ideas may or may not be used by the Gulf Coast Chapter of PRSA as topics for future chapter programs.

If you have any questions regarding this contest, please contact Jennifer Medeiros, Social Media Chair for the Gulf Coast Chapter.

Have fun, and good luck!

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2010-2011 Southwest Florida Media Directory Available for Purchase

The most comprehensive media directory in Southwest Florida is now available for purchase from the Gulf Coast Chapter of PRSA!

Reflecting current and accurate contact information for local print, radio, and television outlets, the 2010-2011 media directory is the perfect compliment to any Southwest Florida professional’s tool kit!

Cost:

  • $50 PRSA Members
  • $75 Non-Members

To purchase, email Kathy Saenz at ksaenz@ingagenetworks.com. Once payment has been received, the directory will be emailed to the desired email address.

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Online Registration Now Available for Chapter Programs

For your convenience, we will now be handling RSVP’s for all future chapter programs via online registration.

To register for our upcoming program on August 24th, “Print Production 101,” please click here to access the online registration. If you experience any problems or have any questions regarding this new method of registration, please contact Kathy Saenz at ksaenz@ingagenetworks.com.

We look forward to seeing you on the 24th!

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Print Production 101 & Quick Start 2010

Ah, summertime when the living is easy! Hopefully, you are able to use our traditional off season to spend more time with close friends and family and relax at the beach or up in the cool North!

In that easygoing spirit, there is no luncheon program scheduled for July. But your Gulf Coast PRSA Board of Directors is still working diligently on providing the kinds of value-added programs that you want and need to be effective public relations practitioners. For our next program, on August 24th, we will hear from two local print experts on how to get the most bang for your buck, among other important printing tips. I would also encourage you to attend the Quick Start Conference in Orlando in August. This conference will further your knowledge as a PR professional and help you become an industry leader.

I hope you have a great summer (it will be over before you know it)! We look forward to seeing you at our next program.

Sincerely,

Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

August 24 – “Print Production 101”
The program will feature Tim Philbrook, owner of Print and Copy Center, and Blase Ciabaton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Naples PrintSource. Philbrook and Ciabaton have vast experience in the printing industry and will provide tips on bleeds, colors, formatting, photo DPI, paper weights and bulk mail as well as variable data and graphics, personalized URLs and Quick Response Codes. The cost is $24 per person for PRSA members, $29 for non-members, $27 for non-profits and $15 for students.

Date: Tuesday, August 24
Time: 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, FL 34103
RSVP HERE

August 27-28 – “Quick Start 2010”
 Ready to be a leader? Then don’t miss Quick Start 2010, the conference created for current and future PRSA leaders. Learn best practices, network with other industry leaders throughout the state and leave with energy and inspiration to take your chapter – and the public relations profession – to the next level. Five members in each Sunshine District Chapter have the opportunity to attend this conference for free and once the five slots are filled, additional members are welcome to attend for $75.

Date: Friday, August 27-Saturday, August 28
Location: Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, 400 West Livingston Street Orlando, FL 32801
RSVP: Heather Morgan Heather.Morgan@chsfl.org or Georgina Gonzalez-Robiou at GeorginaG@baptisthealth.net

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Tips for Taking and Submitting Great Photos

Details for our upcoming luncheon on June 22nd are listed below for your reference. I hope that you won’t miss out on this educational program featuring Frank Berna, of Ritz Camera, and Jay Schlichter, Community Editor for the Naples Daily News!

As always, thank you for your support of PRSA!

Sincerely,

Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

June 22 – “Tips for Taking and Submitting Great Photos”
The program will feature Frank Berna, of Ritz Camera, and Jay Schlichter, Community Editor for the Naples Daily News. Berna will present tips for taking top-notch photographs, including lighting and composition and how to size properly for submitting to publications. Schlichter will discuss the types of photographs that news editors are looking for and will offer guidelines for getting your photos published in the newspaper. The cost is $24 per person for PRSA members, $29 for non-members, $27 for non-profits and $15 for students.

Date: Tuesday, June 22
Time: 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, FL 34103
RSVP: ksaenz@ingagenetworks.com
Reservations must be made by Friday, June 18, 2010

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Oil Spill in the Gulf – Crisis Communications

With oil drilling activities taking place in the Gulf of Mexico for decades, it was not a matter of if but when a major spill would occur. Now that a massive spill has happened, how are county officials communicating clean up efforts with the general public?

Our next luncheon presentation on May 25th will feature a panel discussion featuring local emergency management officials and tourism industry representatives who will give us an update on the oil rig explosion and massive spill and discuss how they have been implementing their crisis communications plans.

Further details are listed below for your reference. I hope that you won’t miss out on what promises to be an informative program!

As always, thank you for your support of PRSA!

Sincerely,

Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

May 25 – “Oil Spill in the Gulf – Crisis Communications”
The program will feature a panel discussion with Dan Summers, Director of the Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services; JoNell Modys, Public Relations and Communications Manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB; and Bob Pfeffer, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort. The speakers will provide an update on the epic Gulf of Mexico oil spill and highlight how they are implementing their plans for communicating the crisis with the general public. The cost is $24 per person for PRSA members, $29 for non-members, $27 for non-profits and $15 for students.

Date: Tuesday, May 25
Time: 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, FL 34103
RSVP: Email Kathy Saenz at ksaenz@ingagenetworks.com
Reservations must be made by Friday, May 21, 2010

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Chapter Mixer with an “APR Twist”

Today is the deadline to RSVP for our free mixer on Tuesday, May 11th to discuss the many benefits of PRSA and how you can advance your career through the APR accreditation!

Further details are listed below for your reference. I hope that you won’t miss out on what promises to be a fun evening out!

Sincerely,

Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

May 11 – Chapter Mixer with an “APR Twist”
 Have you been thinking about your APR, but just aren’t sure? Think of this as an APR appetizer to the main event. Sample the fare by asking current APRs about their experiences; share a sampler by talking to others who may be considering taking the plunge; and do all of this while enjoying the real thing and a cocktail on us! All public relations and communications professionals are warmly welcomed to stop by, enjoy a nibble and a cocktail, share in a little camaraderie and – if it interests you – chat about the APR process.

Date: Tuesday, May 11th
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Place: Bamboo Café, 755 12th Ave. S. at Crayton Cove, Old Naples
RSVP: Email Denyse Mesnik at Denyse@bbgi.com

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Welcome 2010

Welcome 2010 (and for many of you, I’m sure, good riddance to 2009)! Despite the very challenging economy, your Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Gulf Coast Chapter remains active and engaged. It is my goal as your President to make sure that PRSA remains relevant for our profession.
I am truly honored to serve with such a talented and supportive group of officers and directors representing Collier AND Lee counties. I hope that you will join us on Tuesday, January 26th to personally welcome your new 2010 Board of Directors.
Speaking of our January program, we will host a timely and informative panel discussion on “The New News & Citizen Journalism” featuring top editors of the Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press. Further details are listed below.
Again, best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Clay W. Cone
Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

Welcome 2010 (and for many of you, I’m sure, good riddance to 2009)!

Despite the very challenging economy, your Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Gulf Coast Chapter remains active and engaged. It is my goal as your President to make sure that PRSA remains relevant for our profession.

I am truly honored to serve with such a talented and supportive group of officers and directors representing Collier AND Lee counties. I hope that you will join us on Tuesday, January 26th to personally welcome your new 2010 Board of Directors.

Speaking of our January program, we will host a timely and informative panel discussion on “The New News & Citizen Journalism” featuring top editors of the Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press. Further details are listed below.

Again, best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Clay W. Cone
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

January 26th – “The New News & Citizen Journalism”
Please plan to join us for a timely and information program on “The New News & Citizen Journalism.” The program will feature a panel discussion with Phil Lewis, Editor of the Naples Daily News, and Cindy McCurry-Ross, Senior Managing Editor for the Fort Myers News-Press. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with social and networking, with lunch to follow at noon. The cost is $24 per person for PRSA members, $29 for non-members and $15 for students. This program is being generously sponsored by our friends at Business Wire, a global leader in news distribution.

Day: Tuesday, January 26
Time: 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, FL 34103
RSVP: ksaenz@ingagenetworks.com
Deadline for RSVP is January 22nd

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Strategic PR in a Lightspeed Environment

Dear PRSA Members & Friends:

As we all gear up for a season of holiday parties and charity events… It is never too late to brush up on your PR strategy to maximize the impact of your message on your audience.

While we discuss PR strategy, I also want to encourage you to think about your personal strategy… and how a PRSA membership can help you achieve your goals.

The Gulf Coast Chapter is offering a half-price membership special. This is a rare opportunity to join a PR association with national affiliation that is making a local impact. Details to the special are below.

Hope to see you at the next luncheon!

Sincerely,

Cyndee Woolley, APR
President, PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter

October 27th — PR Strategy: Best Practices for Strategic Planning in Today’s Lightspeed Environment
Client expectations for successful PR strategy are higher than ever.  In this struggling environment, business owners and corporate CEOs are investing precious dollars into their marketing plans and counting on accurate PR strategy to carry their message to the right audience  – and make an impact.  Please join us as Dr. Terri Bailey, Assistant Professor – Department of Communication and Philosophy at Florida Gulf Coast University, revisits the strategic plan, giving us her expert advice on how to integrate a solid plan into each client’s communications goals, develop a unified campaign theme, and stay on track.

RSVP: ksaenz@neighborhoodamerica.com

Member News

New Member Special!

If you have been on the fence about joining PRSA, now is the time to jump into an organization that will set YOU on the right PR path professionally.

With the funds raised from our September program at Naples Daily News, the Gulf Coast Chapter is offering a half-price new member special in October. The first 10 people to bring a PRSA application and a check for $145, will receive a matching scholarship from the Chapter.

Naples Daily News Survey

The Naples Daily News was very generous to host our meeting in September. In the program, they referenced a survey about their products and upcoming planning.

Please support our local media by giving your feedback through Naples Daily News’ survey.

Ready to Present? PRSA GA 2010 Conference need you on May 6th 2010

You’ve spent years honing your skills as a PR professional. Now share your expertise with over 150 PR professionals from around the Southeast! The PRSA|GA Annual Conference Committee is now accepting presentation submissions for the 2010 PRSA|GA Annual Conference, scheduled for Thursday, May 6, at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta. Click here for details