No meeting this month, but stay tuned — website, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn — for info on the great things coming in 2015!
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Looking to 2015 and Beyond
It’s full speed ahead advancing the 2015 strategic plan. The year’s first meeting will offer a detailed look at the various elements. Chapter
president Michelle Clark, APR, will facilitate discussion. If you’re a member, it’s your plan. Know it, live it, share it.
But first you have to hear about it.
Time & date: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 (one day earlier than usual)
Cost: chapter members $25, national members $30, nonmembers $35, students $20;
walk-ups add $5
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Wheels are turning. Phone calls are being made.
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STRAIGHT STUFF
James Gaskin writes books, articles and jokes about technology, and he consults with those
who don't read his books and articles. He has published 17 books (15 technical,
one technical humor, one Texas humor) and thousands of articles and reviews,
which makes him a specialist on “Tech for Writers: Tips, Tools and Tricks to Produce and Promote Your Words” — his presentation at the January Writers’ Guild of Texas meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 (fourth Monday this month only),
at the Richardson Public Library. More on the Writers’ Guild of Texas at
writersguildoftexas.org.
IABC local update: Melissa Flynn PR & Marketing principal Melissa Flynn, APR, has nearly two decades of experience helping small and large
organizations plan for and manage crises. She will discuss "Is Your
Organization Prepared for the Unexpected?" at the IABC Dallas meeting Tuesday,
Jan. 13, at the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson. Info.
PRSA local update: Meet the 2015 committee chairs: Julie O’Neil, advocacy; Vanassa Joseph, bylaws; Andrea Condori, digital media; Anthony Spangler, diversity; Brian Murnahan, ethics; Christy Jones and Skyla Claxton, community service (co-chairs); Tracy Greene, hospitality; Jerrod Resweber, job bank; Hope Caldwell and Nancy Farrar, Masters SIG (co-chairs); Claire Olson, newsletter/PR; Richie Escovedo, nominating; Jessamy Brown, Nu Pros; Kristen Escovedo, PR After Dark; Tom Burke, APR, Presidents Council; Megan Murphey, professional development; Rosalynn Vasquez and Andra Bennett House, APR, sponsorship (co-chairs); Emily Conklin, website; and Holly Ellman and Liz Heck, Worthy Awards (co-chairs). Jeff Rodriguez is chapter historian. Mindia Whittier serves as student liaison. Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, heads the APR committee.
PRSA local update II: The TCU master’s program in strategic communication is accepting applications for 2015-2016
tuition waivers and graduate assistantships through June 1; professionals are
encouraged to apply by Feb. 15. Info here.
PRSA local update III: Congratulations were in order at the December luncheon as the Moncrief Cancer
Institute’s Liz Heck was honored as Greater Fort Worth PRSA’s 2014 Unsung Hero, and the Balcom Agency’s Lesley Dupre was named the chapter’s 2014 Rising Star. TCU junior Madison Oberg and UTA senior Stephanie Lowther received scholarships. Oberg said she seeks a career in public relations to give
a voice to those who do not have the means to speak for themselves. She hopes
to connect people who have resources to people in need and advocate for
individuals who deserve a better life. Lowther is president of the UTA PRSSA
chapter. She noted in her application for the scholarship how PRSSA workshops
and speakers help students grow professionally. An ad hoc committee from the
board reviewed the entries and selected the winners.
PRSA local update IV: Gigi Westerman, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Sandra Brodnicki, APR, each penned articles in “The Book of Content Marketing Strategies & Tactics,” recently published by PR News. The first edition features more than 45 articles
ranging from native advertising and live events to webinars and video to
content marketing for social media and visual storytelling. Info here. Westerman is president of Strategic Image. Brodnicki founded and runs
Brodnicki Public Relations.
PRSA local update V: Panelists Cathrine Hatcher (Personas ID) and Francesca Spinelli (Spinelli Co.) and moderator Laura Moore (LKTM Consulting Group) will explore “The Business of You: Reaching Your Highest Potential in 2015” at the PRSA Dallas monthly luncheon Thursday, Jan. 8, at Seasons 52 at NorthPark
Center. Info here.
PRSA local update VI: Immediate past president Richie Escovedo and chapter historian Jeff Rodriguez regaled the December luncheon with a year in review. It was a keen 12 months.
Highlights:
• The chapter was founded in 1986, so it has been advancing the public relations
profession for almost 30 years.
• It has 172 members, including 27 APRs.
• Monthly programs in 2014 spanned Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jet fighter and Lady Gaga’s hugely successful fan campaign and AT&T’s strategies for reaching out to the LGBT community.
• The Masters SIG met in April with Mayor Betsy Price and her chief of staff, Jason Lamers, in a memorable session. The mayor gave a highly animated narration of how to
connect with constituents.
• The Independent Practitioners SIG conducted three sessions, winners all — what an independent practitioner needs to be successful, how a design firm can
assist you, and the PR needs of small businesses.
• PR After Dark held two events: “March Madness Billion Dollar Tournament of Greatness” and a breakfast club meeting.
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