FPRA - Florida Public Relations Association Blog

Since Chris started off the day with a sunrise photo....here is the view out my window. We'll see you tomorrow.

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Well, the first full day of the FPRA Annual Conference has wrapped up. We hope this blog has provided visitors with a window into our fun and informative conference... and the power of FPRA. We provided summaries of some of today's presentations. We uploaded hundreds of conference photos. And we racked up some impressive site traffic statistics for the first day:

Total unique visitors for Monday: 530
Total page views: 1,590
The average visitor is staying on this blog for just under 4 minutes

Thanks to those of you who visited us today. We'll have even more stuff for you tomorrow... including a complete list of our 2006 Golden Image Awards winners. Be among the first to hear who will be taking home this year's top PR awards.

If you're not familiar with the Golden Image Awards program, we provided a short tutorial.

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We just finished uploading all the photos from tonight's scholarship fundraiser. Head on over the Flickr to check them out.

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Tonight was the annual scholarship fundraiser to benefit the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation. The auction featured dozens of items, including weekend getaways, airline tickets, sports tickets and collectibles, artwork and much more. The fundraising total is currently being tabulated and will be announced in the morning.

Josh will have a complete photo recap of tonight's event in just a few minutes over at Flickr.

Many thanks to the Jacksonville Chapter for hosting this fun and worthwhile event!

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Get involved. Your FPRA membership is only what you make of it.

During the President's Luncheon on Monday Kathy Giery, APR, CPRC encouraged members to become involved in the organization. I sat down with Kathy and asked her about how she became involved with FPRA and what the association has meant to her. Click here to listen to the interview: KathyGiery.mp3.

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How would you like be responsible for organizing a conference for a group of public relations professionals? This year, Suzanne Sparling, APR had just that task. Suzanne served as Vice President, Annual Conference and is our 'host' at the lovely Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. As things wound down on Monday afternoon Suzanne and I talked about conference and her pirate name. Click here to listen to the interview: SuzanneSparling.mp3.

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As of 3:00 p.m., we've had 329 visits to FPRA Blog today.

In the last 20 minutes, we've had visitors from Gainesville, Orlando, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Pensacola, Lakeland, Boynton Beach, Leesburg, Port Saint Lucie, Bartow, Cocoa, Stuart, Destin, Cape Coral, Miramar, Fort Pierce, Daytona Beach, Miami, Palm Bay, Ormand Beach, Bradenton, Sanford, Ft. Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, Boca Raton and Ocala.

We wish you could be here in person, but we're glad you are still participating online. Say hello, and join in the conversations (simply click on the words, "Share Your Comments" at the bottom of any entry).

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If you've ever met Del Galloway, APR, CPRC you will always remember him. Immediately after the President's Luncheon we talked with Del about his involvement with FPRA (Del was State President in 1990) and PRSA (Del was recently PRSA National President). For those of you at work, please note the word 'thong' is used in this interview. Click here to listen to the interiew: DelGalloway.mp3.

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Our next interview is with FPRA legend Bob Gernert Jr., APR, CPRC. Bob served as state president in 1985 as well as executive director for 10 years. In this quick conversation Bob looked back at his time in FPRA. Click here to listen to the interview: BobGernert.mp3.

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Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC announced at today's Presidents' Luncheon that FPRA now has 1,447 members -- the highest in its 68 year history! We are now just 53 members shy of our 2006 membership goal of 1,500.

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During the Presidents' Luncheon, FPRA Past President Leah Lauderdale, APR, CPRC installed the 2006-07 Officers and State Board of Directors. The incoming Executive Committee includes:

Jessica Rye, APR - President
Suzanne Sparling, APR - President-Elect
Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC - Immediate Past President
Melanie Mowry-Etters, APR, CPRC - VP of Accreditation/Certification
Erin McLeod - VP of Annual Conference
Lori Martini - VP of Chapter Services
Bob O'Malley, APR - VP of Communications
Jay Wilson, APR - VP of Finance
April Herle, APR, CPRC - VP of Golden Image
Pat Crawford - VP of Member Services
Rachel Smith, APR, CPRC - VP of Research/Planning
Paul Ramey, APR - VP of Professional Development
Jamilette Melendez - VP of Public Relations
John McShaffrey, APR - Counselor's Network Chairman
Carole Savage, APR, CPRC - FPRE Foundation Chair

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At the conclusion of the Presidents' Luncheon, 14 former FPRA State Presidents gathered on stage for the annual "passing of the gavel." This is a fun time for each former state president to share highlights and funny stories from their year as state president.

Pictured above, from left to right, are: Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC (2006); Leah Lauderdale, APR, CPRC (2005); Carole Savage, APR, CPRC (2004); John McShaffrey, APR (2003); Kathy Giery, APR, CPRC (2001); Rick Oppenheim, APR, CPRC (2000); Lynn Schneider, APR, CPRC (1999); Jay Rayburn, II, Ph.D., APR, CPRC (1994); Donna Davis, APR, CPRC (1992); Karen Plunkett, APR (1991); C. Del Galloway, APR, CPRC (1990); Bob Davis, Ph.D., APR, CPRC (1988); Bob Gernert, Jr., APR, CPRC (1985); Joe Curley, APR (1982).

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The annual Presidents' Luncheon has wrapped up in the main ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island.

FPRA State President Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC took to the stage and recognized the outgoing president of each of FPRA's 15 chapters. They are as follows:

Kathy Torian - Capital Chapter
Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke, APR - Central West Coast Chapter
Jennifer Bush - Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
Paul E. Ramey - Gainesville Chapter
Linda McDonald - Jacksonville Chapter
James A. Ehlers - Nature Coast Chapter
Stacey Brady - Northwest Florida Coast Chapter
Emma L. Eldred - Ocala Chapter
Trent Flood - Orlando Area Chapter
Don Ruth - Pensacola Chapter
Nancy McCarthy, APR - Southwest Florida Chapter
Cyndi Calhoun - Space Coast Chapter
Jamilette B. Melendez - Tampa Bay Chapter
Susan J. Naugle - Treasure Coast Chapter
Molly Justice - Volusia County Chapter

Next, Adrienne recognized the outgoing members of the 2005-06 Executive Committee:

Jessica Rye, APR - President-Elect
April Herrle, APR, CPRC - VP of Accreditation/Certification
Suzanne Sparling, APR - VP of Annual Conference
Colleen Thayer, APR - VP of Chapter Services
Chris Gent - VP of Communications
Ronda Hemminger Evan, APR - VP of Finance
Trista Wallace, APR - VP of Golden Image
Erin McLeod - VP of Member Services
Dr. Bob Davis, APR, CPRC - VP of Planning/Research
Wendy Crites-Wacker, APR - VP of Professional Development
Jennifer Moss, APR - VP of Public Relations
Kate Gooderham, APR - Counselors' Network Chairman
Karen Plunkett, APR - FPRE Foundation Chair
Leah Lauderdale, APR, CPRC - Immediate Past President

April Herrle, APR, CPRC, Vice President of Accreditation/Certification was next on stage to recognize those individuals who received their APR (Accredited in Public Relations) and CPRC (Certified Public Relations Counselor) certification this past year:

APR
Debra Banta, APR
Joe Chabus, APR
Julie Frey, APR
Sandra Hice, APR
Jeff Nall, APR
Kathleen Small, APR
Kaye Trammell, APR

CPRC
Elizabeth Reyes, APR, CPRC

Next, Adrienne presented her much-anticipated President's Awards of Excellence for 2006. The following Chapters were recognized:

President's Award for Chapter Administration - Jacksonville Chapter
President's Award for Communications - Central West Coast Chapter
President's Award for Community Service - Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
President's Award for Fundraising - Southwest Chapter
President's Award for Leadership Development - Orlando Area Chapter
President's Award for Membership - Pensacola Chapter
President's Award for Professional Development - Treasure Coast Chapter
President's Award for Spirit of FPRA - Tampa Bay Chapter
President's Award of Student Development - Orlando Area Chapter

Vice President of Communications Chris Gent came forward to announce the winners of Best Chapter Newsletter and Best Chapter Web site.

Best Chapter Newsletter - Pensacola Chapter
Best Chapter Web Site - Central West Coast Chapter

Most Improved Chapter - it was a tie this year between the Space Coast and Ocala Chapters
Chapter President of the Year - Jennifer Bush, Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
Outstanding Chapter of the Year - Gainesville Chapter

FPRA Immediate Past President Leah Lauderdale, APR, CPRC announced the Past President's Award. The recipient was Dr. Jay Rayburn, APR, CPRC, Fellow PRSA

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A tradition at FPRA's annual conference is the presentation of the Dillin Dessert by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter. The dessert is named in honor of FPRA's founder, Lt. Col. John W. Dillin. He was a great lover of chocolate. This year's dessert is a chocolate banana mousse bar.

The base is a french chocolate macaroon covered with bittersweet chocolate mousse. It was topped with banana mousse. After the macaroon and mousse were prepared, they were lightly sprayed with chocolate.

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Chris Gent and I are posting directly from the President's Luncheon which just started. Chris will be posting a complete wrap-up shortly afterwards.

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Del Galloway, APR, CPRC always brings the 'fun' to conference. Or in this case, he helps Reese 'get excited' about the President's Luncheon.

Be sure to check out all the photos from Monday.

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Between the breakout sessions and lunch I was able to grab Dr. Bob Davis, APR, CPRC for a quick chat. Click here to listen to the interview: BobDavis.mp3.

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Note: This is from Monday's Breakout Session 1B.

This session was led by Karen Morinelli, a lawyer from Ruden McClosky. I thought this would be an interesting precursor to Andrea Weckerle's upcoming session at BlogOrlando. After all, you can never get too much free advice from lawyers.

Karen covered the role PR people play in crisis communications and whether or not what is said is protected.

Here are the main points from the session:

If you feel uncomfortable, always consult a lawyer.

Never assume there is a privelege. Unless there is an exception, there is no privelege.

Professionals in the public sector are advised not to write anything.

Don't keep drafts, etc. because they could be used against you.

Defamation - making someone look bad.

Libel - defamation in print.

Slander - spoken defamation.

Always keep a lawyer on your crisis management team.

"Think before you put pen to paper and what role you play." - Karen Morinelli

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Dixie Punsky with Aetna led the breakout session on Word of Mouth Marketing (WOM). Dixie noted that WOM is the oldest form of advertising and public relations. Dixie asked the audience about what products and services they have purchased because of a friend's recommendation. Examples included restaurants, lawn services and even FPRA. We are our friend's yellow pages.

Organic WOM occurs naturally when people become advocates of a brand. This is usually based upon superior customer service or superior products. There is no outside assistance form the brand. (improving the product not the pitch).

Amplified WOM occurs when the brand works to generate WOM. This can involve seeding WOM and engaging influencers within certain markets.

Dixie outlined seven truths of WOM:

1. The power of word of mouth is staggering: The human channel is the most influential.
2. The old rules no longer apply: Traditional channels will not reach all consumers. This is a product of fragmentation.
3. There are influencers in every category: These are not just early-adopters of geeks. This can be moms!
4. Lists and databases are ineffective ways to reach customers: Consumers are market savvy and don't link junk mail.
5. Know thy influencer: Learn about your target market, interact with them.
6. Movements don't always start in large urban markets: don't overlook the smaller markets, smaller markets can see larger markets for less money.
7. Experience and trial are the key to winning consumers: speak openly and honestly, no hype.

Continue reading "FPRA Annual Conference: Word of Mouth Marketing" »

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FPRA State President Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC taking a stroll on a Segway® Human Transporter (HT). This self-balancing personal transportation is designed to go anywhere you go -- even around the halls of the Ritz-Carlton! As Adrienne often says, "It's all good duty!"

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Joseph S. Hice Jr., Associate Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations at the University of Florida opened the 68th Annual Conference with a session about creating passion within PR. Joe really got things started by entering on a Segway. He took a few celebratory laps around the conference floor before taking the stage.

Joe's dream was to become an engineer, until he took calculus. In his heart he has always been a gear-head and loved tinkering with things. He was fortunate enough to work for some great companies with some great, cool products: Harley Davidson, Seadoo and Segway.

Continue reading "FPRA Annual Conference: PR & Passion Rule at Harley Davidson, Seadoo, Segway and the University of Florida" »

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Vice President, Annual Conference Suzanne Sparling, APR welcomed the members and officially opened the conference this morning.

We'll be posting photos all day today, check out the Day 1 photo summary.

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I was able to grab Joseph Hice, APR for a few minutes before his opening address. Joe will be talking about creating passion in public relations. Click here to listen to the interview: JoeHice.mp3.

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During the conference we'll be doing some quick interviews with speakers and members. First up is Jessica Rye, APR, incoming FPRA State President. Click here to listen to a brief interview with Jessica: JessicaRye.mp3.

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It's Monday, August 7th and we're posting live from the Florida Public Relations Association's Annual Conference at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island resort in Florida.

The conference 'officially' kicks off with Opening Welcome and Annual Meeting this morning, but many of us arrived on Sunday and took part in the Golf Tournament and the President's Welcome Reception.

For a complete list of the day's schedule click here.

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Listed below is the schedule for Day 1 - Monday, August 7, 2006 of the FPRA Annual Conference:

7:00 am - 5:00 pm: Registration Open

7:30 am - 8:30 am: Breakfast with Exhibitors

7:45 am - 8:15 am: Past Presidents' Council Meeting

8:35 am - 8:50 am: Conference Welcome and Annual Meeting

8:50 am - 9:55 am: How PR & Passion Rule at Harley-Davidson, Segway, and the University of Florida

10:10 am - 11:10 am: Breakout 1A - Word of Mouth Marketing

10:10 am - 11:10 am: Breakout 1B - Protecting PR Staff from Lawsuits

10:10 am - 11:10 am: Counselors' Network Breakout 1

11:20 am - 1:40 pm: Presidents' Luncheon

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm: Breakout 2A - The Platinum Pyramid

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm: Breakout 2B - Employee Research - Measuring What Matters

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm: APR in Review

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Afternoon Meltdown

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Leadership Training

4:05 pm - 5:00 pm: State Board Meeting

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Scholarship Fundraiser & Membership Mixer

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It's Monday, August 7. Sunrise in Amelia Island was at 6:46 a.m. Here's the view outside our conference hotel.

We've got a busy schedule on tap for today: annual meeting, general session, breakout sessions, Presidents' Luncheon, leadership training for incoming chapter presidents and presidents-elect and the annual scholarship fundraiser this evening. A complete schedule will be posted shortly.

Check back often to discover the power of FPRA!

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