It’s been a busy and very productive year for PRSA. As 2011 draws to a close, I’d like to share some of PRSA’s many highlights from the past year.

The 2011 International Conference was a resounding success, featuring prominent keynoters like journalist Soledad O’Brien and social media author Chris Brogan. Our Conference was preceded by our annual Leadership Assembly, which provided a preview of exciting new benefits for the coming year, including:

• Free Webinars with PRSA membership. As part of the approved increase in annual membership dues, PRSA will offer its entire catalogue of professional development webinars to its members — for free — starting in 2012. This represents nearly $2,000 in annual savings for members who participate in one PRSA webinar per month.
• Expanded focus on Chapter support. PRSA is developing webinars exclusively for Chapter use to create local professional development programs. That means local Chapters will be provided with customized content for their local membership.
• Loyalty programs to reward PRSA’s most-involved members. These cross-channel programs will facilitate the engagement, retention and growth of PRSA’s member base and, by improving the value proposition of PRSA membership even further, also will aid in Chapter and Section recruiting efforts.
• Launch of the PRServing America™ award program. This program will highlight the pro bono work undertaken by PRSA’s professional and student Chapters, Sections and Districts to strengthen and preserve the local communities in which they live and work.

Continue reading " Update on PRSA Dues Increase and Membership Benefits "

Delegates to PRSA’s 61^st Assembly, and the second annual PRSA Leadership Assembly, turned their attention to the Society’s financial future as they met prior to the start of PRSA’s 2011 International Conference, “Imagine. Create. Inspire. Envisioning the Future of Public Relations,” in Orlando, Fla.

Following nine months of discussion and debate, Assembly Delegates overwhelmingly approved a proposal to increase PRSA’s membership dues by $30, not to exceed $255 annually. The proposal passed by a nearly 4-to-1 margin (209-to-53), with the increase scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Members who renew (regardless of their renewal date) or initiate PRSA membership by Dec. 31, 2011, will still receive one additional year of membership at the 2011 base membership rate of $225.

Discussion of the proposal lasted less than 10 minutes. Delegates appeared to understand the rationale for a dues increase, given the Society’s efforts to cut expenses and realize new sources of non-dues revenue, as well as the increased costs of business and the current economic climate.

Continue reading " Leadership Assembly Approves Membership Dues Increase "

Last year, I had the privilege of serving as PRSA Chair. I was the first, second-generation public relations counselor to serve as Chair and, from what I’ve been told, the youngest, as well. My tenure – like those of most leaders – was filled with challenges and opportunities that required a great deal of my time and attention. Still, chairing the Society was one of the greatest personal and professional experiences of my life; I’m a stronger leader, manager, communicator, counselor and person for it.

As PRSA embarks on the process of nominating its next slate of Directors, I would urge all members to consider serving the society and the profession in this role.

Continue reading " What I Learned as PRSA Chair "

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone … and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
— Sandra Day O’Connor

Many of us are eagerly looking forward to 2010 and hoping for better things in the days and months to come. Before we rush into next year, though, it’s important to recognize everyone who helped PRSA introduce new programs and maintain ongoing initiatives — in spite of the challenging economic conditions.

Continue reading " PRSA Thrived, Not Just Survived, in 2009 "

The PRSA Board of Directors met in New York on July 24 and 25 to launch a third quarter buoyed by significant progress on major initiatives in governance and member service.

The board heard about significant strides to enhance professional value through organizational and member initiatives, along with careful stewardship of the Society’s long-term stability. Focused on governance and infrastructure, second quarter activities aimed at boosting PRSA’s capabilities to exceed member expectations through targeted research and nimble decision-making and delivery.

Continue reading " PRSA Board Eyes Third Quarter Driving Governance and Member Initiatives "