MEETINGS

Next at IABC Fort Worth ...
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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Next at Fort Worth SPJ ...
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.