MEETINGS
No meeting this month, but stay tuned — website, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn — for info on the nuances of November.
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2013 Professional Development Program: Media Training
Dr. Joe Trahan III, APR, Fellow PRSA, will demystify the art of media relations at a doubleheader
workshop-luncheon program Wednesday, Oct. 9. He promises an engaging
custom-tailored, interactive media training session in the morning to
complement a discussion of presentation skills that afternoon.
This is the train the trainers edition of media training, so come ready to glean
tips for how to make your training that much better. Registrants may attend the
program only, lunch only, or both. Go here for all manner of details.
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A Presidential Soirée, Complete with President
Join Fort Worth SPJ, the only SPJ professional chapter in North Texas, for an
evening of enlightenment and mirth Saturday, Oct. 5, in Arlington with the
newly elected SPJ national president.
Dave Cuillier will share information and answer questions on public access to government
documents, the federal shield law, and how SPJ works to protect the public’s right to access.
Mixing launches at 7 (hors d’oeuvres provided), with dinner off the Olenjack’s Grille (770 Road to Six Flags E.) menu at 7:45. Entrees range from $10 to $35.
Cash bar. Reserve, please, at spjfwpresident.eventbrite.com or pirtlemk@yahoo.com.
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STRAIGHT STUFF
Best-selling author Ann Weisgarber (“The Promise,” “The Personal History of Rachel DuPree: A Novel”) will keynote the 7th Annual Do the Write Thing Writing/Publishing Workshop,
Oct. 11 and 12 at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus. Sessions will range
from a faculty author showcase and manuscript critiques to taking risks as a writer to stop making excuses and just
publish already. Info here. Direct questions to brenna.sanders@tccd.edu. ...
Cindy Herb, self-proclaimed “joyful survivor” and author of “Awakening the Spirit: The Open Wide Like a Floozy Chronicles,” knows how to rise above tremendous adversity and how to help others become
successful. Speaking from experience, she will discuss at the next Writers’ Guild of Texas meeting (7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, Richardson Public Library) the
importance of marketing before the book is launched, including having a
marketing plan, getting endorsements, creating both an online and offline
presence, and understanding the basics of a strong web presence using keywords
as the foundation for building a site.
PRSA local update: The Oct. 9 luncheon is GFW PRSA’s annual meeting, which means a vote will be taken on the proposed 2014 slate of
officers. Proxy votes also will be accepted, via e-mail to cross@gcgmarketing.com. The slate: membership VP, Michelle Clark, APR; programs VP, Sandra Brodnicki, APR; treasurer, Megan Force; treasurer-elect, Lisa Albert; secretary, Claire Bloxom; director, Liz Heck. Three 2014 positions were filled as part of the 2013 slate — president, Richie Escovedo; director, Jahnae Stout; assembly delegate, Gigi Westerman, APR, Fellow PRSA. Two positions are unexpired — director, Joe Stout; assembly delegate, Holly Ellman.
PRSA local update II: Chapter members who qualify as Masters will have a special one-on-one
opportunity with media relations expert Joe Trahan III, APR, Fellow PRSA, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lucille’s Bistro, 4700 Camp Bowie. Five dollars covers appetizers, and draft beer is
half price 4-7 p.m. Dinner follows with Trahan, who will be in town to lead the
chapter’s professional development seminar the next day. RSVP to mgugliuzza@fortworthtexas.gov or jhunter@the-t.com or, hey, just come on. Masters mixers are for PRSA members with 15 or more years
experience, PRSA board members and/or those with APR credentials.
PRSA local update III: For she’s a jolly good fellow. Fort Worth’s newest inductee into PRSA’s College of Fellows — Gigi Westerman, APR, Fellow PRSA — will be honored along with the chapter’s five other fellows Monday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the third level
of Reata downtown. Cost is $15 per person and includes appetizers and one
drink. An e-mail invitation is coming. Note that the date is different from the
one originally published.
PRSA local update IV: Two repeats from last month (’cause they’re still true!). You oughtta be in pictures. GFW PRSA is compiling a visual
history. E- digital images of days gone by to jeff.rodriguez08@yahoo.com or bring prints to a meeting for scanning. Don’t let the history go dim. And chapter student liaison Mindia Whittier seeks volunteers to serve on a committee aimed at increasing engagement with
affiliated universities. The committee will conduct a survey on student
interests, then develop programming tailored to the responses. Focus areas
might include mentoring, the PRSSA Bateman competition and boosting
professionals’ involvement in on-campus activities. Expect tons of gratification that comes
from helping cultivate the next generation of PR professionals. E- whittier@uta.edu.
