PRSA

News from PRSA Tar Heel
January 2010
2010 Spinks Awards & Banquet
 
There is still time to register to attend the annual Spinks Awards and Banquet. It's a great way to get to know other Public Relations
professionals and celebrate fellow
team members for their outstanding work!!
 
This year's event will take place at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Quick Links...
 
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PRSA Tar Heel hosts an open group on Facebook. Facebook is a social networking site and we encourage Members and Non-Members in the PR profession to join us there. Click here. The PRSA Young Professionals Group also has a Facebook page, find that one here.
LinkedIn 
 
LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. Join the PRSA Tar Heel Chapter's new LinkedIn group
here.
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Our Sponsor
 
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A Message From Our President-Elect
Donnie Turlington, APR
 
PRSA Tar Heel is taking a critical look at how it can better serve you, the members, in 2010.  Here's PRSA Tar Heel President-Elect Donnie Turlington providing his thoughts on how you can help with that endeavor.  Happy New Year!

Spinks Banquet: A Celebration of Excellence

By Aaron Wall, APR
 
Aaron Wall, APRThe Spinks Award Banquet is one of those special events I look forward to every year. It's when the local public relations community comes together to recognize great accomplishments, strong leadership and excellence in our profession.

 

Having served as president in 2008, last year's award banquet had a very special meaning for me personally. Sadly, it was the first banquet in recent memory our chapter founder and friend, John Spinks, was unable to attend. It's thanks to John we have this special event, and I know he would have been proud to see once again how much this event and this vibrant chapter has grown.

 

Once again, 2009 is a year worthy of celebration. Whether you're new to the industry or a veteran of the trade, there's good reason to make the Spinks Banquet your destination this January 28th. Join us, as we celebrate excellence in our profession and the professionals who help make our greater community a better place to work and live.

Top PR Week Editor to Keynote Spinks Banquet

Julia HoodJulia Hood, publishing director of PR Week and editorial director at DM News, will be the keynote speaker at the PRSA Tar Heel Chapter's annual Spinks Awards Banquet on January 28th. If you want to learn more about her, check out the PR Week Web site.

You can also find out more details about the Spinks Banquet and Awards on the
Tarheel Chapter Web site.
Do Something Different in 2010
By Judi Saint Sing, APR
 

As we enter 2010, many of us are happy to see a new decade or at least the dawn of a new year. Each January, I enjoy the feeling of new beginnings; maybe this year I will do something incredibly good, make fewer mistakes, treat others better and will have a better attitude.   

 

For the past two years, I finally discovered why I feel I have a new attitude. I began working for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Winston-Salem in 2008 and discovered a principle that I had always heard, but had not adopted into my life.

 

It's simple...volunteer. When you serve others, whether it's becoming a big brother or sister (my personal choice), visiting a senior citizen, or serving a meal at a homeless shelter, you will undoubtedly receive more than you give. And, you probably realize it's not just helping with one event or raising money, although every cause needs support. I'm encouraging you to reach out on a regular basis to someone whom you might not have encountered before. You will feel differently.  

 

We always need volunteers in PRSA, but in addition to what might help you professionally, do something that might inspire you personally.

 

Make this year one where you make a difference in someone's life and in yours...volunteer.

Member News

We'd like to celebrate the anniversaries of members who joined this month.

Members celebrating anniversaries in January:
 

John Guiniven, 32 years

Steve Powell, 7 years

Karen McNeill-Harris, 7 years

Jane Blackwell, 5 years

Carrie Helton, 4 years

Donnie Turlington, 3 years

Sarah Mansell, 2 years


Are you new to the chapter? Have a question you'd like to ask? When you come to the meeting look for the folks with the red ribbons on their nametags. Our board members will be happy to welcome you, answer questions or take your feedback.
Unemployed? PRSA May Be Able to Help Out
 
PRSA is offering a financial hardship plan to members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. If you've been a member of PRSA for at least five years and are unemployed, and if you've recently renewed at the full rate or your membership is up for renewal, you can save $110 off the regular rate.

To apply, email Member Services at membership@prsa.org or call (212) 460-1400.
More details here (PDF).
Move Your Career to the Next Level with the APR
 
Have you considered the next step in your career? For those serious about a career in public relations, accreditation is a must. Not only is accreditation a fantastic personal achievement, but the process to APR is a learning experience that will help you in your daily work. Though not required, a formal study class is offered by your PRSA chapter. This in-depth 12-week course will  prepare you for your readiness review and examination.
 
Learn more about accreditation on the PRSA Web site.
Got Job Openings? We Have Talent
 
If you have an opening for someone in public relations, marketing, communications or a related discipline and want to reach the most talented group of public relations professionals in the Triad, consider the PRSA Job Bank.

Job listings are $75 for members and $100 for nonmembers. The available position will be e-mailed to chapter members, listed in the next monthly chapter newsletter and in the job notebook available at every chapter meeting. It will also be posted on the Web site two weeks after the initial e-mail to members.


For more information on our Job Bank, contact Aleasha Vuncannon at jobbank@prsatarheel.org.
Announcements
 
Need a Name Tag?
Let us Know!
 
Please contact Vice President of Membership, Teresa Loflin, at membership@prsatarheel.org. Members of the Tar Heel Chapter are asked to keep their name tags and bring them to each meeting. If you haven't yet picked your name tag up, please be sure to do so at the next meeting you attend.
 
Board Meetings
 
PRSA Tar Heel Chapter Board Meetings, are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Chapter members are always welcome to attend and provide input. For location or more info, contact Donnie Turlington, APR at president@prsatarheel.org.
Want More Info about the Newsletter or Chapter?
 
This newsletter is provided each month to members and prospective members of the Tar Heel Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The Tar Heel Chapter serves the Triad area of North Carolina. If you would like more information about the Tar Heel Chapter, please contact Teresa Loflin, VP of Membership, at membership@prsatarheel.org. If you have comments or suggestions regarding the newsletter, contact  Lisa Davanzo at newsletter@prsatarheel.org.
 
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