2009 Annual Meeting "Works" for PRSA Buffalo Niagara
by Tony Astran
The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter ended a banner year during its Annual Meeting on December 3 in Chef’s Restaurant in downtown Buffalo. The event was capped by a presentation from Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE) President and CEO Thomas Kucharski about how “life works” in the region.
About 50 members in attendance unanimously elected the new slate of officers for 2010. Those elected to positions were: John C. Senall, president-elect; Lori A. Allan, treasurer; Tony Astran, secretary; John Fisher, director-at-large, and John DellaContrada, assembly delegate.
Four members who earned APR accreditation in 2009 were honored, including: Angela Berti, marketing and public affairs coordinator, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Bob Chase, public relations account supervisor, Gelia; Jacqueline Ghosen, assistant dean and director of communications, University at Buffalo School of Management, and; Matt Schmidt, marketing specialist, Computer Task Group.
Outgoing chapter president Beth Donovan delivered a farewell address and highlighted the many accomplishments of 2009. (Read her message in the December chapter e-newsletter.)
Incoming chapter president Jacqueline Ghosen outlined a number of goals for 2010, including: participating in PRSA National’s campaign to make the “business case” for public relations; continuing to strengthen the APR process, and creating a chapter presence through online social networks.
After lunch, Kucharski—flanked by an eye-catching display and map of the region—explained the background and current progress of BNE’s “Where Life Works” campaign to attract business investment.
Kucharski said the BNE focuses on marketing, research, and business development for the Western New York region. He cited renewable energy and life sciences as two growing industries for lead generation, and said the majority of business leads tend to be for companies with 50 employees or less—which helps bring versatility to the job market.
“Where Life Works” is a brand that concisely communicates what the Buffalo Niagara region is all about, Kucharski said. He added that it reinforces the message that the region has a very productive, loyal, and reliable workforce.
Of 370 metropolitan regions surveyed, Kucharski said that Buffalo Niagara jumped from No. 327 to No. 36 for job growth since the year 2000. “There’s more activity happening here than in many other parts of the country,” he said. “We’re an area that is not afraid to try different things.”
To inspire others to come to the region or stay in WNY, the BNE welcomes your thoughts on why life works for you here. To submit your own testimonial, visit the BNE Web site.
Photos from the 2009 Annual Meeting are available on the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Flickr page.
Farewell message from the chapter president
Beth Donovan, APR thanks the chapter and hands the gavel to 2010 President Jackie Ghosen, APR
As if it were yesterday, I remember accepting the passed gavel and outlining my goals for the coming 12 months. I admit that it felt like a long and somewhat daunting road ahead. Yet, I write this as the soon-to-be past president. However, I am proud of all we were able to accomplish as a chapter, which was possible through the hard work and dedication of our board and committees. I am grateful to all of you for your time, but, even more so, for your creativity and enthusiasm. You not only helped to maintain our quality programs and events, you improved them and helped them grow.
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